This bill authorizes the town of Westford to release agricultural preservation restrictions on certain lands owned by Westford Gateway, LLC, which are necessary for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's rehabilitation of Boston Road. The specific agricultural preservation restrictions, granted by Keith A. Bohne and Nanci Bohne, are detailed in various recorded documents and plans. The release applies to designated parcels along the northeasterly side of Boston Road, and the land must be restored to its original condition post-construction to maintain the conservation values of the surrounding area.
In exchange for the release of these restrictions, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is required to provide funding to Westford, amounting to at least 110% of the fair market value of the impacted lands. This funding will be deposited into the town's Community Preservation Fund and used within three years to acquire replacement land for conservation or agricultural purposes, ensuring that the new land is of equal or greater value and natural resource quality. The bill also stipulates that the Department of Transportation will cover all associated costs for the release process, while the remaining agricultural preservation restrictions will continue to be enforced.