The Farm

Congratulations to Winchester and the region for the vote of March 13, 2007, which enabled the Town of Winchester to acquire the 20 acre Wright-Locke Farm. By acquiring the Farm, the Town will preserve the most important historic and open space features of the property while pursuing limited residential development to help offset the $13.6 million cost. The Town has notified the owners of its option to exercise its right of acquisition and will be taking the necessary legal and financial obligations to close on the deal as authorized by the February 26 Special Town Meeting. In addition, the Board of Selectmen is considering next steps to refine its process to select a development partner based upon the Request for Proposals it initiated recently.

The decision to acquire the Farm was the result of much financial analysis and public input. While the negative consequences of a dense rental development that would have resulted was clear, the details and process of communicating with the voters of the Town was very complex. I am proud to have participated on the team, led by the Board of Selectmen, which also included the Planning Board, Finance Committee, Historical Commission and Conservation Commission. A strong cadre of consultants were instrumental in this effort, led by Assistant Town Manager Mark Twogood and Town Counsel Wade Welch, and supported by other Town staff. Finally, a word of thanks to the passion and commitment of the Winchester Hamilton Farm Interest Group.

It is not often that an opportunity presents itself to a community that has consequences to many generations. This opportunity presented itself to the citizens of Winchester in 2007, and they responded in decisive fashion.