The Essex County Greenbelt recently completed its purchase of the Hiller Trust property, the organization announced recently. The property is 30 acres of farmland located in the Common Pasture.
The property has frontage on Scotland Road, is bounded on the west by Wolf Brook and is bisected by the Little River, which then drains to the Great Marsh and Plum Island Sound, according to Essex County Greenbelt. This is the Greenbelt's fourth project in the Common Pasture.
"Protecting this parcel adds another important piece to the jigsaw puzzle of this critical conservation area, and ensures that the Hiller Trust land remains part of the agricultural base of the area," Director of Land Conservation for Greenbelt David Santomenna said in a statement.
Prior to its acquisition by Bruce Hiller in 1965, the property was part of the Ronan Farm.
Lorna Hiller, sister of the late Bruce Hiller, said in a statement, "I know my brother would be pleased to know that the property will continue in its agricultural use, and that it will never be developed."
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The list of candidates pulling nomination papers for elected office in November continues to grow. Last week, Robert Cronin, 126 Merrimac St., pulled papers to run for the Ward 3 council seat; Kathleen O'Connor Ives, 5 Market St., took out papers to run for re-election to her at-large seat on the council, and Andrea Jones, 20 Merrill St., also took out papers to run for the Ward 3 council seat, bringing the total number of candidates running for that seat so far to four.
City Council president James Shanley is currently the Ward 3 representative on the council. He is running for mayor in November.
Citizens have until Friday, July 24 at 5 p.m. to pick up nomination papers. They are due back, with the needed signatures, by Tuesday, July 28.
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The Planning Office will hold a public meeting Thursday to discuss an enhancement project for the Clipper City Rail Trail. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the police station conference room.
"As you know, we have been raising funding to support the installation of 'enhancements' such as benches, signage, sculpture, waste receptacles, underpass mural, etc. along the Rail Trail corridor once the state contractor finishes building the basic trail," Senior Project Manager Geordie Vining wrote in a recent e-mail. "If you would like to see and discuss the proposed locations, models, sculptures and other details of our approach for such items, please join us at the meeting on June 25."
Vining said the city hopes to finalize plans this summer and start the work by the end of the year.
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Four residents are needed to serve as trustees for the newly created Newburyport Affordable Housing Trust. Members must have expertise in one of the following areas: affordable housing, planning, real estate and/or lending.
Interested residents should send a letter of interest to Mayor John Moak at 60 Pleasant St., or e-mail Lois Honegger at Lhonegger@cityofnewburyport.com by July 15.
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The Office of Emergency Management is looking for volunteers to do a variety of support services while promoting disaster preparedness. The tasks include response programs, public education and disaster exercises. Seniors and retirees are encouraged to apply. For more information, call 978-465-4424 or visit www.newburyportoem.com.
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The following meetings have been scheduled. They are open to the public:
Tuesday
Board of Appeals, 7 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers
Community Preservation Committee, 7 p.m., police station
Wednesday
Retirement Board, 9 a.m., City Hall
Redevelopment Authority, 7 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers
Thursday
Historic District Study Committee, 7 p.m., police station
Sewer Commission, 4 p.m., DPS building Perry Way
Clipper City Rail Trail Enhancement Project hearing, 7 p.m., police station conference room
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Katie Farrell covers Newburyport for The Daily News. She can be reached at 978-462-6666, ext. 3232, or by e-mail at kfarrell@newburyportnews.com.
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