Hanson Farm Conservation Restriction Moves Forward with CPC Funding Approval

Community Preservation Committee votes to recommend $32,138 for development rights acquisition of historic 71.79-acre farm

March 26, 2025

The Bridgewater Community Preservation Committee has unanimously approved a recommendation to the Town Council to appropriate $32,138 from CPA funds to support the acquisition of development rights for the 71.79-acre Hanson Family Trust Farm on Pleasant Street.

The vote, which took place during the committee's March 26 meeting, represents a significant milestone in a three-year process to preserve the historic farm property.

"It's been a long process. I want to thank the Hansons, CPC members, Open Space, current town manager, acting Town Manager Blythe Robinson, former town manager Michael Dutton, Josh Farrell for his hard work and revisions for typing everything, and whoever else was involved," said CPC Chair Gina Guasconi.

The total project cost is $3.3 million, with the bulk of funding coming from a Municipal Vulnerability Protection (MVP) grant of $3 million awarded to the town in August 2024. The CPC funds represent less than 1% of the total project cost.

"Basically the total project cost is $3,334,138 of which the town is requesting that CPC provide $32,138," explained Vice Chair Carlton Hunt during his presentation of the application.

The CPC funds will support several aspects of the project, including $9,500 for signage and trail materials, plus $22,638 for design and contracts. This includes recording fees, funding for Wildlands Trust (who will hold the conservation restriction), and an environmental site assessment.

The conservation restriction effectively purchases the development rights to the property, ensuring it remains as open space and agricultural land while allowing the Hanson family to continue farming operations.

David Hanson, representing the family trust, addressed the committee regarding a modification to the property boundaries and a request to install a cement pad for a wood processor on the property.

"We'd like to pour a cement pad there to mount the wood processor on to keep it out of the mud and make it a little easier for our help to work," Hanson said.

Acting Town Manager Blythe Robinson noted that town officials would meet with the Hansons' attorney the following day to discuss these details and ensure all plans align properly.

"We have provided a slightly different looking plan to the state for the CR. And I will check tomorrow about making sure that the plans all align," Robinson said.

Committee member Patrick Driscoll raised concerns about ensuring the conservation restriction plan matches the Form A plan that was previously approved by the Planning Board, which modified the property boundaries.

"I'm not making a big deal out of it. I just think the final version, the plan needs to match," Driscoll said.

The committee worked through several revisions to the motion language to ensure accuracy while providing flexibility for the Town Council. The final motion recommends the Town Council appropriate the CPC funds from the Open Space Reserve account.

The purchase and sale agreement for the property was signed approximately nine months ago as part of the MVP grant requirements. The conservation restriction draft was submitted to the state on January 29, 2025, and is awaiting final approval.

Robinson indicated that the recommendation would be introduced to the Town Council on April 8, with a potential vote on the second reading scheduled for April 22.

The project aligns with several town planning documents, including the Community Preservation Plan, which includes goals to preserve farms and agriculture, and acquire strategic private open space. The Open Space Plan of 2017 and the Municipal Vulnerability Protection Plan also support the preservation of working farms.

Committee members expressed enthusiasm for the project's completion after years of planning.

"I think it's a great thing. It's a no-brainer with just 1%," Driscoll said, referring to the relatively small percentage of CPC funding required for the project.

Hunt noted that the Open Space Committee had submitted a letter supporting the project in February 2024.

The conservation restriction will be held by Wildlands Trust of Plymouth, which will monitor compliance with the terms of the restriction going forward.

Once completed, the project will permanently protect one of Bridgewater's historic working farms while allowing agricultural operations to continue, preserving both open space and the town's agricultural heritage.

Other CPC Business:

* The committee discussed potential funding for the Unitarian Church windows replacement, noting that any changes would require Historic District Commission approval.

* Updates were provided on several ongoing projects including Stiles and Hart improvements, Hemlock Drive window replacement, and the Path and Frieze project.

* The committee voted to accept a revised final report for the State Farm Trail project.

* Members discussed the need for an updated Open Space Plan, as the current one is expiring.

Watch the complete video courtesy of BTV and the Town of Bridgewater.