04/16/2018

Request to help buy 52-acre expansion of Robinson Woods referred to workshop

The Town Council will discuss a request from the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust for help in purchasing a 52-acre parcel "Robinson Woods III" at a future workshop.

Councilors on April 9, 2018 voted to refer the request for $281,666, a third of the asking price of the property located next to the land trust's 145-acre Robinson Woods preserves.

The Conservation Committee is recommending the request be approved, provided the land trust grants the town an easement similar to that granted for the Great Pond Preserve. [news article]. The town contributed $75,000, also a third of the price, toward the purchase of that 23-acre parcel in 2016.

"The Conservation Committee discussed the (Robinson Woods III) request, noting the high value of the property for preservation and its alignment with the goals of the Greenbelt Plan," according to a memo from the committee. The committee also noted the need for a strong role in management of the property, given the expenditure of town funds.

Councilors agreed that both the town and land trust have benefitted from cooperative efforts, but also said they want to talk more about the financial implications. "This is a great deal of money and we have nothing remotely close to that in the land-acquisition fund," said council Chair Jessica Sullivan. Details of an easement will also be discussed at the workshop, which has yet be scheduled.

The land trust's request was also discussed at a workshop March 5.