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A major affordable housing project was proposed in 2007 by the Trammel Crow Residential development corporation. Known as “Alexan Concord”, the 350-unit project, if approved, would push Concord affordable housing inventory above the 10-percent goal set by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40b. When a community meets the 10% goal established by c. 40b, that community has considerably wider latitude in determining whether and where additional housing projects may be located. With several important parcels of land changing ownership in 2007,
including both farmland and commercially-zoned property, it is important that the Town be able to control its own destiny regarding future development or re-development.
One major parcel that changed ownership in 2007 was the Arena Farms property on Fairhaven Road. The property was operated as a farm stand for several generations. Because the land was taxed under mgl c. 61a for many years, the Town had the first-right-of-refusal to match the selling price negotiated by the sellers. After considerable discussion and review, the Selectmen voted not to exercise the Town’s rights on this property and allowed the negotiated sale between the Arena family and Concord Academy to move forward. It was unfortunate to see a key parcel held in agriculture for so long lost to development; but with Concord Academy involved in the property, there may be opportunities for the Town to partner with the independent school on some mutually-beneficial programs
and initiatives.
The sale of 20 acres on Strawberry Hill Road for affordable housing moved forward in 2007. The sale was made conditional on the developer, Bentley Builders, securing permits to construct 19 units of housing. Those permits are expected to be issued in early 2008 and the sale should be completed in late spring. The proceeds from this $3.2 million sale will be used to repay the temporary borrowing that financed the acquisition of the Burke land on Old Bedford Road adjacent to the Ripley School.
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