Agreement Reached on Scituate Marina (MA)

Scituate, Massachusetts, 5/18/04: The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit conservation organization, working with the Town of Scituate, announced today that it has reached an agreement to purchase the 3.2-acre waterfront Harbourtown Marina property on Edward Foster Road in Scituate. The property includes 700 feet of frontage on Scituate Harbor and a licensed marina currently containing 44 slips.

The property, with its desirable waterfront location, has been a longtime focus for conservation in Scituate. Under the terms of the agreement announced today, TPL will hold an option to purchase the property for $4.175 million until November 1, 2004. If sufficient funds can be raised, the Town plans to acquire the property from TPL and assume permanent ownership.

Scituate selectmen are expected to convene a Special Town Meeting on June 21 to consider Town acquisition of the property and will recommend voters approve funding for the project. Community Preservation Committee will contribute $1.2 million of the Town’s funding; the $3 million remainder would come from the Waterways Enterprise Fund.

The Harbourtown Marina, located along the southern side of Scituate Harbor, is a key property to develop the waterfront for resident use. Town ownership will provide opportunities for a public boat launch and sailing program. It will further the goal of a continuous walking path along the harbor and offer an accessible waterfront that will attract visitors and bring residents together.

Plans for the property call for the continued operation of the marina’s 44 public boat slips, the relocation of Scituate’s sailing program to buildings onsite, environmental restoration of dunes and wetlands, and the constructions of benches, walkways, and paths for general public use.

No new taxes will be required to pay for the acquisition. The initial cost of this acquisition will be covered by the Community Preservation Committee and Waterways Commission’s existing funding. Further, it is estimated that the marina could gross $233,000 for the town in the first year—a number that will likely increase in subsequent years. The marina can be expected to generate net revenue for the Town and thus pay for its acquisition over time.

Joe Norton, a member of the Board of Selectmen, said, “It’s not every day that the town has an opportunity to acquire such an important waterfront property. With future revenue from the marina, this project will more than pay for itself in a few years, and the town will have a permanent waterfront park for present and future generations. The selectmen are pleased to bring this purchase before Town Meeting.”

According to Valerie Talmage, Project Manager for the Trust for Public Land, “This property presents a tremendous opportunity for Scituate residents to ensure their access to the Town’s waterfront. We’re excited to be involved in this project because it’s such a great example of how citizens can protect and preserve areas of their communities that are most scenic and offer great opportunities for recreation.”

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit conservation organization conserving land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 1.6 million acres of land in 45 states, including more than 10,000 acres in Massachusetts. TPL depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve our land for people mission. For more information, please contact TPL’s Boston office at (617) 367-6200 or visit www.tpl.org/massachusetts.

Contributions to Scituate’s Waterfront Park Campaign are tax-deductible and can be sent to The Trust for Public Land, 33 Union Street, Boston, MA 02108, Attn: Scituate Waterfront. For more information, contact Nick Pratt at (317) 367-6200.

Note to editors: To have a digital photo or map emailed to you, contact Nick Pratt at the Trust for Public Land, (617) 367-6200 x314.