Town Considers Taking 347-Acre Parcel by Eminent Domain

SHARON, MA-Rattlesnake Hill, a 347-acre parcel here off Mountain Street, has long been a source of contention in this town. Some residents want to see the site preserved as open space while others are lobbying development that would provide the 95% residential community with additional tax revenue.

The most recent–and probably most controversial–plan for the site is to have the town seize the land by eminent domain. The plan was sponsored by the town’s conservation commission and will be considered by the board of selectmen. According to Benjamin Puritz, the town administrator, the land can be taken if it will be used for a “proper purpose” such as open space, water supply, roadway purposes or development. The article would have to be voted on in town meeting, which would then authorize the board of selectman to execute the acquisition.