Home / VOL. VII NO. 17 10/01/2026 / News from Richmond

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News from Richmond


The Richmond Board of Selectmen voted to waive their right of first refusal (ROFR) of the 91-acre Richmond portion of the 0 Furnace Road parcel at the board’s meeting on Wednesday, September 9. The sale of the 100+ acre property at 0 Furnace Road to Kate Riley of Sweetbrook Development can now be concluded.

Prior to that vote, Selectman Neal Pilson moved that the ROFR be assigned to Mass Audubon, with the condition that Mass Audubon “agree to develop and maintain a portion of the parcel as a public park with appropriate access, including walks and pathways, a parking area, posted signage, available information about the history of the land, and other enhancements.”

The motion died for lack of a second. Then Selectman Manzolini moved to waive the town’s ROFR with restrictions. Attorney Lori Robbins, on behalf of the seller of the property, required the buyer to:

  • Establish a 50-foot wooded buffer;
  • Make best efforts to sell 30 acres within the portion of the property within Richmond to a qualified land management group within one year; and
  • “Try” to develop shared driveways between residences [to reduce the impact of development on the land].

The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Pilson wished to state he voted in favor reluctantly.


 

Jay Comes Home Jay Rhind

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Carole Owens, Executive Editor

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