Mansfield to Buy Norton Land for Water Treatment

After five years of negotiations, the Mansfield Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 at their April 10 meeting to finalize the purchase of approx. 51.2 acres of land in Norton next to a water treatment system serving Mansfield, Foxboro, and Norton. The town decided to buy the land after Norton did not purchase it during a 120-day period where they had the first right of refusal.

The $1.1 million purchase of the property known as the Riley property located at Crane and Pine streets in Norton will allow Mansfield and the other two towns to store more recharged water after it is treated at the wastewater treatment facility on the adjacent property. 

Only Selectman Jess Apowitz had slight concerns with the deal, asking if only Mansfield would be responsible for maintaining the land and the treatment facility.

According to Town Manager Bill Ross, three towns that benefit from the plant are paying their fair share on the plant because the facility was bought under a municipal agreement, meaning the district will take on the financial responsibility.

The town will buy the land through the state revolving loan fund once the proper paperwork is completed.