Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $267,850 for the purpose of purchasing through the Conservation Commission approximately 22 acres of land on both sides of North Shore Road, including part of Nilus Brook, part of the Grist Mill Pond, and adjacent wetland buffers and wooded uplands for the purpose of protecting in perpetuity the area’s water resources, wildlife corridor and habitat, and open spaces with $187,850 to be raised by taxation and $80,000 to be appropriated from the Conservation Fund. The Conservation Commission will seek grants and donations to further reduce the cost to the taxpayers. The purchase cost includes the purchase price to the owner, additional costs associated with surveying, legal and other administrative costs, and expenses associated with the placement of the property in a Conservation Easement to be held and monitored by the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT). This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the purchase is completed or by March 31, 2024, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required)
What it means:.
The Conservation Commission has an opportunity to purchase and preserve 22 acres of undeveloped land on both sides of North Shore Road, including part of Nilus Brook, part of the Grist Mill Pond, and adjacent wetland buffers and wooded uplands. Once acquired, the land will be conserved forever through a Conservation Easement for the purpose of protecting in perpetuity the area’s water resources, wildlife corridor and habitat, and open spaces and will be open for public access for passive recreation.
The Conservation Commission has contributed $80,000 towards the purchase of this land and continues to apply for grants and fundraise to reduce the tax impact on Hampton residents.
For more information visit:
https://www.hamptonnh.gov/610/The-Barkley-Property
Those in favor say: This very valuable property has been appraised at $1.4 million and is being offered to the Town by the Barkley family, who wish to see it preserved. They are offering it to the Town at a purchase price of $200,000 with a Conservation easement that will prohibit development of the land. William Barkley, who originally purchased the property along with his wife, was one of the first members of Hampton’s Conservation Commission in the late 80’s. The Conservation Commission is using $80,000 from its fund to help pay for the property and the costs associated with purchasing and protecting it.
If approved by the voters, this land will be available for passive recreation by residents, and will continue to be used as a wildlife habitat by many species. Additionally, half of the 22 acres are in the Town’s Aquifer Protection Zone, so it is also important for the protection of our drinking water.
Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session.
Fiscal impact: If approved, this Article will cost a household valued at $400,000 a one-time increase of $19.60. To get the cost for your property, multiply .049 times your valuation divided by 1000.