APPENDIX F

 

 

 

TOWN OF CONCORD

 

LAND IN CHAPTER 61, 61A AND 61B

 

 

 

Chapters 61 (Forestry), 61A (Agriculture/Horticulture) and 61B (Recreation) provide substantial tax relief to landowners for these uses, in exchange for the Town’s right of first refusal in the event a change of use is proposed.  Land can be removed from these uses at the discretion of the landowner (with the requirement that the difference in taxes be paid back for the previous five-year period).  Due to the high price of land in Concord, the Town has not always been in the position to acquire such parcels when they become available.

 

The above chart shows the significant decline in acreage over the past 20 years.  In 1984, there were 2,742 acres in Chapters 61, 61A or 61B.  That number declined to 2,272 acres in 1993, and further declined to 2,024 in 2004.  That represents a 20-year decline of 718 acres (26%).