Why did the Piccadilly Mill Land Trust come into being?
The Trust has a very complex history and was borne as a result of considerable political compromise between numerous parties including the original owner of the land, abutters, the Town, the State and the developer. The bottom line is this: In return for reducing the ultimate number of homes to 83 and permanently deeding pieces of land as open space, the parties were able to come to agreement and the subdivision was built. There was considerable acrimony about developing the land as it was considered special, because of its beauty and history, by many people in town. As part of this compromise, land was placed into this Trust, forever deeded as open space. Because of the tenor of the debate, the legal agreements were structured as tightly as possible to prevent future tinkering or changes in status. The Piccadilly Mill Open Space Trust was reviewed and certified by the State of Massachusetts (Executive Office of Environmental Affairs), which is especially proud of it, and views it as a
