PURPOSE

1. To request the Town to accept a voluntary offering of a building, thoroughfare, property easement, or civic space for public dedication.

APPLICABILITY

1. Any project that contains a building, thoroughfare, property easement, or civic space.

AUTHORITY

1. The Board of Selectmen review all land conveyance petitions on behalf of the Town. The Board of Selectmen may elect to place a land conveyance petition on the warrant of an Annual or Special Town Meeting, where by acceptance would be determined by a majority vote at Town Meeting.
2. The approval or denial of a land conveyance petition is a discretionary legislative act, subject to a majority vote of the Board of Selectmen.

PROCEDURE

1. Within 60 days after receiving a land conveyance petition, the Board of Selectmen must review the petition at a regular scheduled meeting, and take action to accept the conveyance, deny the conveyance, or place it on the warrant of the next occurring Town Meeting.
2. The Board of Selectmen may elect to hold a public hearing.
3. The Board of Selectmen may decide to consult the [PERMITTING AUTHORITY] or the Planning [BOARD / COMMISSION] prior to taking action.
4. A majority vote of the Board of Selectmen is required to accept a voluntary offering of land for public dedication.

RECOMMENDATION

1. In developing its recommendation to the Board of Selectmen, the [PERMITTING AUTHORITY] or Planning [BOARD / COMMISSION] may consider the following:
2. The adopted Comprehensive Plan of the [NAME OF TOWN / CITY].
3. The purpose of the District where the property is located.
4. Any demonstrated public interest in ownership and the assumption of maintenance responsibility for the land in question.

CONDITIONS

1. The [PERMITTING AUTHORITY] or Planning [BOARD / COMMISSION] may make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen when it deems that accepting a petition to convey land to the [NAME OF TOWN / CITY] is within the public interest.