Maureen George, Westford Resident

The Agricultural Preservation Restriction on the farmland on Boston Road states the following:

“…the Premises shall remain in active agricultural use, and the land shall not be abandoned, except in accordance with a USDA Soil Conservation Service Farm Management Plan.”

It is well documented and it is self-evident that there has been abandonment, and there is no Farm Management Plan to explain this state of inactivity.

The APRs do not establish the consequences are for non-compliance; that is up to the municipality.  In Westford, there does not appear to be any effort on the part of the Select Board to define the consequences and impose them.  

First, I request the Select Board demonstrate respect for its own authority and the gravity of the situation by calling Mr. Masalehdan by his formal name.

Second, I request the Select Board cease all playful interaction with Mr. Masalehdan such as that shown by Tom Clay at the June 27 meeting.  

Third, I request the Select Board determine the consequences for non-compliance of the APRs, advise the owner, and prepare to enforce them.

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