By Curt Peterson
The Hartland Conservation Commission will be adding an article to the 2024 Town Meeting warning, asking voters to approve “setting aside” funds for part of possible purchase of approximately 75 acres near the Three Corners village center.
The amended article reads:
“Article 10: Shall the Town vote to direct the Selectboard to make available up to $100,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund toward the possible purchase and conservation of the Pohl property.”
The commission would also raise funds separately, as part of the $100,000. If part, or all, of the set aside amount isn’t required at time the land is purchased, no taxpayer funds will be used.
A large Asher Benjamin-designed brick home, studio building, pool and patio will not be included in the proposed purchase. The Fast Trash property across from the Hartland Fire House and Town Garage has an easement allowing access to the land from Route 12.
Upper Valley Land Trust’s option to buy the land expires near the end of this year. A conservation easement would protect the land from development.
The state will actually hold the conservation easement, according to Conservation Commission chair Rob Anderegg.
Andrea Ambros said conserving the property would provide continuing protection for a Hartland Winter Trails link. Also, the current agreement with a local farmer to grow hay on the property would be continued, according to Peg Merrens, vice-president of conservation, UVLT.
Another suggested use is community gardens which would provide fresh vegetables to local food banks.
Selectboard Chair Phil Hobbie has been promoting affordable housing for years, including for employees and residents of mixed ages, on part of the same parcel. Twin Pines Housing Trust, with whom Hobbie had been speaking, recently announced municipal water supply will be required for future developments, precluding their involvement in any Pohl property housing.
Peg Merren, representing UVLT at the meeting, said purchase of the property will include provision for affordable residential building of some type, should it be arranged.
Select Board members supported the concept with reservations about last minute changes in their FY2025 budget, already completed.
The conservation easement will be held by the state, or another entity or agency, Anderegg told our reporter. The land will belong to ULVT.
Hartland taxpayers would be providing funds to purchase the land and a conservation easement that cannot and will not ever go away, said Merrens. It’s sort of a 99-year lease with automatic renewal. Taxpayers can’t get the money back if the land is transferred to another organization or entity, but the conservation value will remain intact, and that is what the town is investing in.
