BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) and Representative Hannah E. Kane (R-Shrewsbury) ushered legislation through the Senate and House of Representatives that will expand open space opportunities in the Town of Shrewsbury.
Senator Mike Moore and Representative Hannah Kane outside the House Chamber at the Massachusetts State House.
The legislation, which was filed pursuant to a Special Town Meeting vote taken in February 2015, would covey approximately sixty acres of state land off of Green Street that was once part of the former Grafton State Hospital property. The bill compliments the Town of Shrewsbury’s Open Space and Recreation Plan and provides a unique opportunity for the Town to establish hiking trails and other passive recreation and conservation areas.
“I am pleased to have worked with Representative Kane to help bring this local conservation and recreational initiative to fruition,” said Sen. Moore. “The Town has expressed an interest in keeping the natural scenery and wooded landscape of this stretch of land and I am proud to have delivered a legislative response.”
"This legislation will authorize the transfer of parcels of land at the former Grafton State hospital to the town of Shrewsbury," said Rep. Kane. "The land will be maintained for conservation and passive recreation and add to the many opportunities available for our residents to enjoy the outdoors. I am honored to have been able to represent the town of Shrewsbury with Senator Moore to make sure this legislation was successful."
The legislation, S.2406, has now been laid on the Governor’s desk for his final review and approbation.
UPDATE: The legislation was signed into law by the Governor as Chapter 210 of the Acts of 2016 on August 9, 2016.