Conservation Commission Votes to Waive Purchase Option on Twin Valley Farm Sale

PEPPERELL — January 5, 2021 — Pepperell Conservation Commission unanimously waives its option to purchase Twin Valley Farm, clearing a title obstacle for the pending sale. The commission voted January 5 to relinquish the option-to-purchase right embedded in the farm's Agricultural Preservation Restriction documents dating to around 2001 to 2002, with the buyer identified as Swing LLC required to maintain the land in agricultural use. Town counsel advised the waiver; the Select Board must take the same vote on the same notarized document. The commission also heard that state Senator Kennedy and Representative Sheila Harrington are advancing an Article 97 land disposition at 148 Low Road through the Legislature, and received details on a Nashua River Wild and Scenic Stewardship Council small-grants program offering up to $5,000 per project, with applications open February 1 through April 1. A proposed town budget includes $50,000 for land protection and $30,000 for APR funding, with a budget meeting set for January 6.