| What's New October 30th 2007 Town Votes to Help in Purchase of Bentley Property READ T&G ARTICLE New Campaign Documents FCPS BASIC FACTS TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND (TPL) --The Four Corners Campaign TPL - Four Corners Campaign Donation Form Recent Articles From Worcester T&G Sunday, September 30, 2007 Four Corners property makes ‘endangered’ list By Sandy Meindersma CORRESPONDENT PRINCETON— Preservation Massachusetts has named a 168-acre parcel on Old Colony and Gates roads as one of the state’s 10 most endangered resources. The property, known in town as the Four Corners or the Bentley Property, was purchased by Fox Hill Builders Inc. last December. The company has since filed plans with the Planning Board for a 36-home subdivision that conservationists say would destroy the habitats of three endangered species, including the American bittern, Blanding’s turtle, and the four-toed salamander. The property also has historic links to the Revolutionary War and to Shays’ Rebellion, and it is the only parcel between the top of Mount Wachusett and the Rutland line without a conservation restriction. “The Four Corners in Princeton (has) some of the oldest farms in our commonwealth. This tract of land must be preserved; to lose it to housing development would be a devastating disaster for this pastoral community,” said James Igoe, president of Preservation Massachusetts. Erin Kelly, assistant director of the organization that releases a list of most endangered sites annually, said the property qualifies for the top 10 list because of the history associated with it as well as its natural beauty. “If even one part of the site is developed, the historic integrity of the site will be adversely affected,” Ms. Kelly said. Also on the top-10 list is Castle Hill Farm in Northbridge, which was laid out by John Whitin, a member of the namesake family of the village of Whitinsville. The farmland is owned by a single entity that is seeking to develop the property. “Many of the Dutch in the area can trace their heritage to the farm,” Ms. Kelly said. The Bentley Property was nominated for the Preservation Massachusetts list by the Four Corners Preservation Society of Princeton. Society President Neil Sulmasy said he was pleased with the designation because more than 90 percent of properties listed on the top 10 list during its 14-year history have been preserved. “The enthusiasm from everyone with the Four Corners is over the top,” he said. “It’s an honor to get it.” Mr. Sulmasy also said the designation by Preservation Massachusetts validates the society’s mission. “They’re an outside entity, and they evaluated the property on the merits of the history and the natural beauty that’s there,” he said. “It completely solidifies our attempts to preserve the land. It lends a lot of credence to what we are doing.” On Oct. 30, Princeton voters will be asked to borrow $400,000 toward a $2.9 million purchase of the property. State and local funding, including public grants and private donations, are being sought in hope of preserving most of the land while selling two small portions for development. The Trust for Public Land is leading the preservation effort with assistance from local groups and town officials. Next Meetings TBA Excerpt from Holden Landmark 8/09/09 The ongoing drive to preserve 168 pristine acres attracted a major ally Monday. Congressman James McGovern (DWorcester) met with Princeton officials, members of the Four Corners Preservation Society, Mass Audubon representative Debbie Cary, and Craig MacDonnell, Massachusetts Director of the Trust for Public Land, in the field at the intersection of Gates and Old Colony Road on Monday to discuss saving the Bentley land from development. "This is a beautiful piece of property," said O'Brien. "It's breathtaking. What a shame it would be if it turns into a development." "This is the missing link, this isn't protected," said Cary. "Suffice it to say I'm on board," said McGovern. "This is a beautiful piece of property and it would be a shame to see it broken up. Holden Landmark Article on FCPS in July 19th and August 9th issue Lisa Van Dusen volunteers to lead FCPS Public Relations Committee |
| The Four Corners Preservation Society (FCPS) is a group of concerned citizens dedicated to preserving the open land, the rural character, and the scenic, historic, and ecologically significant resources of Princeton Massachusetts. |
