Beverly Council Approves $1.1 Million to Permanently Protect Moraine Farm Open Space

BEVERLY — December 29, 2021 — Beverly City Council approves $1.1 million to permanently protect Moraine Farm open space. The council voted 6-1 at a December 29 special meeting to appropriate funds from its Community Preservation Act accounts — $861,048 from the CPA open space fund and $238,952 from the undesignated reserve — to purchase a perpetual conservation restriction on three parcels totaling 11.6 acres within the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Moraine Farm complex. Planning Director Darlene Wynn presented on behalf of the city as applicant, with Trustees of Reservations Associate Director for Land Conservation David Santamena noting the Trustees have raised $4.15 million in a parallel capital campaign against a $3.2 million purchase price. The restriction, to be held by the Conservation Commission, will permanently extinguish an estimated eight building lots appraised at approximately $1.6 million in development value. Councilor John Rotundo cast the sole dissenting vote, calling it "a lot of money for something that we will never own." The deal also commits the Trustees to a 1.75-acre community garden, 10 reserved Beverly-resident parking spaces, and restoration of the historic Conant Street access point.