Richmond wishes to preserve the historic Richmond Furnace woodlands. It once was part of Richmond Iron Works. Today residents describe the 118-acre parcel as peaceful and a paradise. The problem is a right of first refusal. We faced this in Stockbridge. To save on a real estate tax bill, an owner can put land in a Conservation Restriction (CR). The undeveloped property which was part of the Richmond Iron Works Historic District, currently serves as passive recreation for hikers, bikers, dog walkers, bird watchers, and even hunters and is home to a rich hydrological ecosystem.

The owner can remove the CR at will and usually that happens when the owner wants to sell. Currently there is a purchase and sale agreement with a Texas-based land developer who has proposed the development of 15 to 18 single-family homes.

However, the CR is under Chapter 61, a tax designation for owners who wish to maintain the land as agricultural, forestry, or open space for recreation. State law requires that when the owner removes the CR, the Town automatically has a right of first refusal, and the town has 120 days to decide to purchase the land or decline. Of the 118 acres, 27 are in West Stockbridge and they have declined, and that parcel is being developed.

What will Richmond do with its 91 acres? Richmond residents have made their wishes clear and put up signs that say: Save Furnace Road. Our governments, which in theory are expected to represent the people’s wishes, do not seem to share them.