Carver Planning Board Votes Down Recommending 61A Right of First Refusal on Cranberry Road

CARVER -- November 4, 2025, Carver Planning Board votes 3-2 against recommending the town exercise its right of first refusal on a Chapter 61A agricultural property off Cranberry Road. The parcel, which includes active cranberry bogs and upland woodland, was subject to a notice of intent to sell for residential conversion, triggering the town's 120-day right-of-first-refusal window under state law. Member Marilyn Williams, who voted no, acknowledged that the town should in principle act on such parcels but said "there's no money in this town to do it." Town Planner Vaught noted the purchase and sale agreement suggests the buyer may maintain the bogs under existing contracts. The board will forward the required form to the Conservation Commission, which retains the ability to assign the right to a qualifying nonprofit. A separate MBTA 3A zoning discussion was continued to November 25, pending town counsel's availability.