Gov. Baker Signs Acton's Harris St. Purchase Bill

ACTON, MA—The Town of Acton will now be able to acquire the Harris St. property previously owned by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, after Gov. Charlie Baker signed new legislation into law last week.

Rep. Jennifer Benson's office announced Wednesday that the new bill will allow the town to purchase the Harris St. property in exchange for the 558 Main St. Rear property and a payment of $193,000, approved by Acton voters last year. The property will be used to store Conservation Department equipment for the maintenance of NARA park.

“I was happy to file this legislation on behalf of the Town of Acton,” said Representative Benson in a statement. “We have been working hard at the State House to get this bill, which is time-sensitive, through the Legislature, so it was great to see it signed into law last week.”

The parcel may be used for renovating other buildings on the site to be used as municipal offices.

“We were so fortunate to have the support of our legislators,” said Tom Tidman, Director for the Town of Acton’s Conservation Department in a statement. “They kept us up to speed throughout the entire process. Now that it's done, Acton has some great plans for this land.”

Photo Credit: Rappaport Center - Gubernatorial Speaker Series featuring Republican Candidate Charlie Baker, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37140610