Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H3295

Introduced
2/27/25  

Caption

Relative to a license for the use of certain state land by the town of Southwick

Impact

By permitting this use of state land, the bill aims to enhance public accessibility to the North Pond area, potentially boosting local recreational activities and tourism. This arrangement is specially designed to be renewable every five years, thus ensuring the town benefits from continued access without permanently transferring any rights to the state land. Critics may raise concerns about the potential unauthorized use of land or altering the current environmental state.

Summary

House Bill 3295, titled 'An Act relative to a license for the use of certain state land by the town of Southwick', is focused on authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, in collaboration with the town of Southwick, to enter into a licensing agreement for the use of a specific piece of state land. This land encompasses the North Pond boat ramp located on Point Grove Road, which the town seeks to use for parking purposes. This bill is intended to facilitate improved access to the waterfront area for the benefit of both residents and visitors.

Contention

Notably, the bill states that the licensing agreement shall not be considered a disposition of interest in the land according to Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution. This clause is significant as it preserves state control over the land while allowing the town to utilize it for community purposes. However, discussions around the bill may explore the balance between local needs for access and state regulatory oversight to protect public resources.

Companion Bills

MA H5183

Replaced by Study Order

Previously Filed As

MA H4192

Relative to the election and composition of the conservation commission within the town of Southwick

MA H3296

Relative to the Cobble Mountain Reservoir in the towns of Blandford, Granville, and Russell

MA H5130

Relative to liquor licenses in the town of East Bridgewater

MA S2628

Providing for alcoholic beverage licenses in the town of Bolton

MA H4155

Relative to adding four additional liquor licenses to the town West Springfield

MA H4188

Authorizing the town of Westwood to grant licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages

MA H3352

Relative to a certain parcel of land in the town of Norton

MA H3894

Authorizing the town of Cohasset to issue five additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Cohasset

MA H4588

Relative to the town of Southbridge granting additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

MA H4964

Authorizing the town of South Hadley to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.