Westborough May Acquire 34 Acres To Prevent Potential Development

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Westborough residents can attend a public information session Tuesday to learn about an effort to acquire 34 acres along Bowman Street to preserve as a recreation area.

The Ellis-Walker Property south of the Mass Pike has been targeted for preservation due to its size and potential for development. The parcel would be owned by the town, but the conservation restriction would be held by the Sudbury Valley Trustees.

"With its picturesque open meadows and meandering streams, the property offers ample wildlife viewing opportunities as well. There are also opportunities to develop community gardens in the meadows close to the existing barn. Additionally, we envision repurposing the barn, in future phases, to not only store the needed maintenance equipment and tools, but also to offer interpretive programming and a comfort area with restrooms, picnic tables, and ample parking," according to the Westborough Open Space Preservation Committee.

If acquired, the new parcel would also be next to the Bowman Conservation Area on Sandra Pond and the Hidden Meadow area north of the Mass Pike.

Westborough Town Meeting will consider an article in March to spend about $635,000 for the acquisition. The town would not make the purchase until it could secure a $307,000 grant from The Land and Water Conservation Fund, and $200,000 from the Sudbury Valley Trustees. The remaining funds for the property would come from the Walkup-Robinson Trust Fund.

The information session on the purchase will begin Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Westborough Fire Station training room, 42 Milk St.