Should the town purchase six acres of open space on George Street to prevent the property from being developed?

That is one of the questions taxpayers will need to answer at next Wednesday's financial town meeting. According to Barrington Town Manager Jim Cunha, taxpayers will be asked whether they support the town's effort to purchase property that was formerly a horse paddock but could play host to a high-density housing development in the near future. 

The land — called Lot 3A — is currently owned by developer Ron Chofay, who has submitted a plan that would bring more than 20 single-family homes to that parcel. 

A number of people have spoken out against the proposal, including the co-chairman of the Barrington Land Conservation Trust Peter Burke. In a letter to the editor this week, Mr. Burke wrote that Lot 3A's proximity to other conservation areas makes the open space even more important.

"Land conservation provides significant ecological benefits, including water quality protection, increased habitat for plants, animals and pollinators, fish production, carbon sequestration, and improved aesthetics. Preservation of large, contiguous blocks of open space is especially important because these areas are more likely to contain fully functioning ecosystems that provide more valuable ecological benefits," he wrote. "In addition, open spaces promote exercise and provide places for community members to reflect and recharge, resulting in a healthier community and reducing health care costs."

Mr. Burke also wrote about the potential negative impacts a development on George Street would have.

"Numerous studies have shown that the conversion of open space to residential use negatively affects local government budgets. Residential land use requires municipalities to spend more money on services such as infrastructure, fire and police protection, and schools than the property taxes generated by such use," he wrote.

The town manager said he and council president Michael Carroll have been negotiating with Mr. Chofay on the sale of the property. 

"We are hoping to have a purchase and sales agreement inked by May 22," said Mr. Cunha.

The town manager said that while negotiations have been productive, the two parties have still not agreed on a price for the property. He added: "I am inclined to believe that we will be able to come to an agreement."

Once the purchase and sales agreement is signed, residents will still need to approve the purchase. That vote will take place at the May 22 financial town meeting. 

Officials have already added $120,000 to the debt service line item in the municipal budget in anticipation of the potential land acquisition. 

After purchase the land, the town would aim to either preserve it as conservation property or dedicate it as farmland and sign a lease agreement with a local farmer. Mr. Cunha said there is grant money available to offset taxpayers funds used in the potential purchase. 

Land details

Lot 3A include 6.8 acres of land, but more than two acres are wetlands and could not be built upon. 

Initially, Mr. Chofay submitted a plan to build four multi-unit buildings on the property. He later submitted a plan that includes more than 20 single-family structures. The plan has earned the approval of the State Housing Appeals Board, but still needs permitting approvals for a large septic system (there is no sewer system in that part of Barrington), storm-water run-off and a few other technical requirements. 

Some Barrington residents are very concerned about the impact a development would have on endangered diamondback terrapins — nearby Nockum Hill is the only nesting site in Rhode Island for the endangered species. 

In addition, the area is historically significant. 

FTM 

Barrington's financial town meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at the Barrington High School auditorium.