State of the Town 2025 - Blythe Robinson: Bridgewater Secures $3 Million Grant to Preserve Iconic Hanson Farm
State funding ensures farm's continued operation and protection from development
March 24, 2025
The Town of Bridgewater is in the final stages of acquiring development rights for the iconic Hanson Farm, a project made possible by a $3 million state grant that will preserve the land from future development while allowing the family to continue operating the farm.
Interim Town Manager Blythe Robinson, who is overseeing town operations during a leadership transition, reports that the acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of June.
"The town applied for and won a state grant of $3 million to pay for this acquisition, which will enable the family to continue to operate this farm into the future and preserve the land from future development," Robinson said during a recent town update.
The preservation effort requires only "a very small match of dollars" from the Community Preservation Committee to achieve this result, making it a highly cost-effective conservation win for the town.
The Hanson Farm preservation represents a significant achievement for Bridgewater's conservation efforts, securing the future of an iconic local landmark while supporting continued agricultural use of the land.
With the $3 million state grant covering nearly all costs, the project demonstrates the town's ability to leverage external funding sources to achieve community priorities with minimal local financial impact.
The development rights acquisition ensures that this beloved farm remains a part of Bridgewater's landscape for generations to come.
This farm preservation initiative is one of several major projects moving forward in Bridgewater during the town's leadership transition period, which began after the resignation of Town Manager Michael Dutton, who departed after 12 years of service to accept a similar position on Cape Cod.
Robinson, who stepped into the role as Acting Town Manager following Dutton's departure, has focused on ensuring that important projects continue to progress while maintaining smooth daily operations.
"The focus of my work during this period has been to ensure that the important projects continue to move forward, that the town's daily operations are running smoothly and priorities of the Town Council are addressed," Robinson said.
Other Key Town Projects Underway
In addition to the Hanson Farm preservation, Bridgewater is advancing several other significant initiatives:
* **High Street Bridge Replacement**: A multi-year project to replace the High Street bridge and remove a dam from the Town River was completed in late fall, fully funded by eight different state and federal grants at no cost to the town.
* **Municipal Electricity Aggregation**: The town received state approval in December for a plan that will allow it to seek lower electricity costs for residents than those offered by the utility company.
* **Water Infrastructure Improvements**: Projects include rehabilitating wells to maximize production, repairing a water tank, and designing connections to address discoloration issues.
* **Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades**: The first phase of a project to remove nitrogen from treated sewage will be completed this spring, with design for the second phase to remove phosphorus beginning later this year.
* **Library Assessment**: The town has retained a firm to study the library building and its systems to determine future maintenance and preservation needs.
* **ADA Compliance Plan**: Bridgewater is seeking a firm to conduct an Americans with Disabilities Act Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan to ensure accessibility across town facilities.
* **Old State Farm Trail Development**: The Town Council has approved an easement to enable trail construction along the Taunton River, with trailhead parking lots planned at two points on Summer Street.
* **New Park Construction**: A $500,000 state grant will fund the design and construction of a park at the former mobile station site, with Bridgewater State University contributing financial support.
* **Flag Policy Implementation**: Plans are underway to relocate and add flagpoles in front of the Academy building, with a $20,000 project expected to be completed by late spring.
Robinson emphasized that the transition to a permanent Town Manager in the spring will be seamless, with these important initiatives continuing to move forward.
Watch the complete video courtesy of BTV and the Town of Bridgewater.