
Protect the missing link in Lincoln Fields


Join us in protecting the missing link in Lincoln Fields by asking the Middlesex Probate and Family Court to postpone the August 19th auction of Charlie Fitts\'s 15-acre property at 40 Weston Road. Charlie, the abutters and conservation interests in Lincoln and beyond want the court to: 1. Postpone the August 19th auction to give town residents more time to work out a solution that protects this missing link in the 38 acre Lincoln Fields; 2. Ask the court to REQUIRE both existing owners, Charlie Fitts and developer Philip DeNormandie, to enter into a 30 day mediation process to find a win-win-win solution that includes the town\'s interests; 3. If the mediation process fails to generate an out of court settlement, then all parties agree that the auction will be rescheduled for the third week of October so potential buyers can see the property during peak fall foliage season. (MLS statistics show that August is the worst possible month for the auction because luxury home buyers are on vacation.) 4. To achieve the highest possible price at the auction, Charlie Fitts agrees to vacate the property at the end of the 30 day mediation period if no settlement is reached. Fitts may return to the property if an acceptable settlement is reached before or at the auction. 5. The court should REQUIRE their auctioneer to offer the property as an undivided 15 acre site with a half acre pond, as well as two separate parcels as currently planned. By selecting the higher combined outcome, the court will maximize the sales price and minimize any risk that the auction will cannibalize the value of the 15 acre property. Despite published statements in the Boston Globe and Lincoln Journal that he had \"no plans to develop the land,\" Philip recently rejected an offer by Lincoln\'s Rural Land Foundation to buy his half interest because he wants to access developable lots on the abutting 40 acres. That means that Charlie Fitts\'s loss could become Lincoln\'s if developer Philip DeNormandie has his way. There may still be an opportunity to negotiate a win-win-win solution if the auction is postponed and the court requires 30 days of mediation. Please sign this iPetition as soon as possible, and forward it to anyone concerned about conservation land in Lincoln. Not only is the missing link in Lincoln Fields at stake, but the auction raises serious questions about development on the abutting 40 acres of DeNormandie family land. Charlie Fitts, his abutters and friends thank you for your interest in mediating a win-win-win settlement worthy of Lincoln 250 and the town\'s legacy of land conservation. === Note: Unless you would like to be a cosponsor, names and comments of petition signers do not appear online in order to protect their confidentiality.
Comment