Article 7 was approved by Town Meeting, marking a critical land-use step for the town’s comprehensive school building strategy. The article authorizes the Board of Selectmen to petition the General Court for permission to lease a portion of the Town Farm property to the school department for a term of 99 years.

The lease is necessary to facilitate the construction of a new elementary school, a cornerstone of the $114.7 million plan approved earlier in the evening. While the Town Farm site has been the subject of some debate regarding construction costs and suitability, the authorization of the long-term lease ensures that the school department has the legal site control required to proceed with state reimbursement applications and architectural planning. The motion passed by voice vote without significant further debate.

Motion: To authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the General Court to lease a portion of the Town Farm property to the schools for 99 years.

Vote: Passed