Selectmen work to preserve rural heritage
WEST BRIDGEWATER – The Board of Selectmen recently reviewed a five-chapter Open Space Plan compiled in conjunction with the Old Colony Planning Council and the Open Space and Recreation Committee as well as other Town boards and commissions. The aim of the Plan is to identify and preserve key areas within the Town that resurrect the rural and agrarian heritage inherent in West Bridgewater as well as protect wetlands, conservation land and wildlife habitats.
The Board developed comments and suggestions and submitted them to Old Colony Planning Council to be included in the final version of the Plan.
“This plan lays out our preservation priorities and goals for the years to come,” said Board Chairman Matthew P. Albanese. “It’s a great resource to have, especially to supplement grant applications. It also emphasizes our movement toward more environmentally friendly policies and practices.”
“It is a very thorough analysis of the options we can explore to preserve our land,” added Selectman Eldon F. Moreira. “The Open Space Plan provides a nice balance for the Town between commercial development and keeping that open land.”
The Town’s Conservation Commission is currently working with the Forestry and Parks Department to construct various trails throughout West Bridgewater, a goal that would expound upon maintaining open space and the dramatic vistas seen throughout the Town. A Greenways and Open Space brochure highlighting these proposed land trails and river ways is available in the Conservation Commission’s Office in Town Hall.
Additionally, the Selectmen have also introduced an idea they are calling “Arbor Replication” where both commercial and residential developers would be responsible for supplying funding to replace the trees they have taken down during construction. The Board also suggested planting the trees Town-wide through a lottery system that residents can enter free of charge. The program is still being discussed.
“The Town was founded and settled by farmers and we still have a few working farms today,” said Selectman Jerry D. Lawrence. “West Bridgewater can maintain that rural integrity with these wide expanses of land and rivers while still inviting businesses in Town. We are able to have both sides, which makes us unique and, hopefully, a place where people want to visit or live.”
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