Adams, State Nearing Completion of Greylock Glen Lease
The Selectmen were pleased that a lease for the Greylock Glen is close to being signed, paving the way for development. |
ADAMS, Mass. — The Greylock Glen's 99-year master lease may be complete within the next few weeks.
Interim Town Administrator Donna Cesan reported during the Selectmen's meeting Wednesday night that the lease is in its final stages of negotiation with the state. With the final agreement, Adams could begin to develop the area.
"We are pleased to indicate that we are very close to a final lease agreement, and we look forward to bringing this to the board in the next few weeks," Cesan said. "This will allow the town to fulfill our role as master developer of Greylock Glen outdoor recreation and environmental education center which was first proposed in September 2004."
Cesan, who as community development director has shepherded the project for years, said the first development will most likely be the campground.
Selectman Arthur "Skip" Harrington said the lease agreement is a critical aspect of the project.
"This is a huge step in this process, and if this doesn't happen, I hate to say it, but we don't move forward," Harrington said. "Without our lease we cannot do much because nobody is going to invest in a property they can't get a lease on."
He said the process takes a long time because it is complicated and the document has to be written in a way that protects the town.
"It's a very complicated lease with a lot of things considered to protect the community and our interest in that development," he said. "I am looking very much forward to actually seeing the document so we can look at it and agree to it then have a party."
Selectman Jeffrey Snoonian asked about the from the state earmarked for the Greylock Glen visitor center.
Cesan said it has been approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor, but it does not belong to Adams yet.
"It has to be released and that is depending on a lot of issues, but ... it is there which is terrific news, and we will certainly work with our delegation to have it released," she said. "Once we have the signage of the master lease we will aggressively pursue that."
Selectman Joseph Nowak said he is excited to start the development of the Greylock Glen because it will be a great addition to the town.
"I always say good things take time, and if we can start developing the Glen," Nowak said. "It is just what we need: our downtown, then the Glen, and then the mountain. It is like putting peanut butter and jelly between two pieces of bread."
Cesan said a meeting will be held next week about the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail extension and unresolved issues such as boundaries, lighting, and fencing. She said the second part of the meeting will deal with the various easements needed for projects around town.
Nowak was concerned that some of the easements would be taken by eminent domain.
Cesan said she does not suspect this will happen.
"We try to work with the property owners, and in many cases, the easements ask for a very small portion of land," she said. "We meet with the property owner and talk to them about it and see if they would consider a donation, and in many cases they do and some they don't."
She said if they don't want to donate they appraise the land and begin negotiations.
• Police Chief Richard Tarsa reported that Bike Night last weekend worked well at the Visitors Center. Bike Night is usually held on Park Street but was moved because of construction.
"I have already been told by several people that they want to hold it at that location again next year," Tarsa said. "It works well logistically and works out well for me at the Police Department because it is easier to shut down Hoosac Street and part of Depot Street instead of Route 8."
• Halloween in Adams will be held Friday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 7.
• Site work has started on the Hoosac Station on Hoosac Street.
Tags: campground, economic development, Greylock Glen, leasing, motorcycles,