The much anticipated vote on the Scimone family farmland received less fanfare than expected at Monday's selectmen's meeting as members chose not to waive their right of first refusal, and proposed taking the issue up in an executive session.
The brief public hearing, however, did generate support and encouragement from neighbors and abutters of the family-owned farm on Old Bedford Road.
"There is no need to take action tonight," said Chairman Jeffrey S. Wieand. The Scimone family needs to present a bona fide offer before the town can consider purchasing the land.
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Neighbor Phil Schultz, who has frequented the Frank Scimone Farm since moving to Concord in the 1960s, suggested the board's lack of action prevents the Scimone family from moving forward with their business plan.
"They would like to get this resolved," said Schultz in reference to the family's offer to sell a parcel of land to the town. The sale would help make the stagnating business solvent. "They've been here longer than any of us. They deserve that."
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Gail Kearns concurred. "They're having trouble right now," she said.
Frank Scimone Farm is in its 85th year of seasonal operation, offering fresh fruits, produce, baked goods and eggs. It is also a victim of the current economy.
The family offered the town an approximately six-acre parcel to purchase to help offset debt. The parcel extends from the current end of Monsen Road and would loop around to a right-of-way at 9B Monsen Road, converting the J-shaped road into one that resembled the letter P.
The Scimone's have a purchase and sale agreement with a developer, but is obligated to offer the land to the town first under a state statute chapter 61A which covers a change in use of farmland.
Kathy Bowers of Monsen Road abuts the farmland and the land up for sale. She said the Scimones are wonderful neighbors and admits her interests may be biased as she and her family enjoy pastoral views from their property. However, she added, farms are another icon of Concord that need to be preserved.
"Our farms in Concord are part of our town's backdrop," Bowers said. "They speak directly to our tourism."
