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Open Space Committee Appoints Russo, Reviews Bay Deal

Other Committee · Meeting of August 19, 2026

Orleans Open Space Committee seats Mark Russo, eyes 2028 closing on Pleasant Bay parcel. Chair Lynn O'Connell welcomed Russo, a former Plympton selectman and 15-year Community Preservation Committee chair, who was approved for the vacant seat by unanimous voice vote. Steve O'Grady of the Orleans Conservation Trust told members a state conservation land tax credit worth "only $75,000" may not even factor into the deal for a 1.6-acre, 138-foot-frontage parcel on Pleasant Bay, since state tax credit funding is already committed through 2027, pointing to a likely 2028 closing.

The committee also approved June's minutes and deferred discussion of a separate Mid Road waterfront property after Select Board liaison Kevin Downer cautioned it wasn't a posted agenda item.

In the full story:

  • Who Was There
  • Organizations And Documents Referenced
  • The complete report — 2,127 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of August 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

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