Selectmen’s Site Walk Minutes
May 6, 2006
The Newton Board of Selectmen performed a site walk of the Nicol Farm Partnership, owners Raymond Nicol and Michele Nicol-Fitzgerald at 8:30am on Saturday May 6, 2006 to inspect the barn at 26 Merrimac Road due to the request to place a Discretionary Preservation Easement for a term of fifteen (15) years on a 40 x 100 “kit” historic barn.
In attendance were Chairman Gary F. Nelson, Selectman John P. Ulcickas, Selectman Robert S. Donovan Jr., Michele and Thomas Fitzgerald, Raymond Nicol, Steve and Donna Cushing.
Ray Nicol explained the amount of work and detail that went into repairing the barn and the steps taken to get to the point where they are now. The tour started in the basement of the barn and continued to the 1st and 2nd floors. Michele Fitzgerald explained the work that has been completed and how excited they were to see it almost finished. She explained how she was married in the barn and talked about the history of the barn and its previous uses. Mr. Cushing stated that most barns that go thru such a restoration usually are turned into apartments or other uses. The Fitzgerald’s’ will be actively using the barn for farming and that is very rare today. Mr. Nelson asked the owners their intentions for the future of the farm, as this has been a question that many in the
community have due to the value of land in today’s market and the profitability of farming. Michele explained that they have bought additional parcels with the intent to build a home for her own family out back. She explained how unfortunately the banks use the lands development value as a variable in securing loans, etc. Michele stated that the intent is to keep it a working farm, her dad is buried on the property and the hope is to be able to continue farming for a long time.
There was some discussion about language that would keep the land from Merrimac Rd to the front of the barn undeveloped so the public could enjoy the view, as that was the intent of the preservation easement.
The Board of Selectmen finished the site walk at approximately 9:30 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary F. Nelson, Chairman
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