House Bill 4929 transfers to the Town of Salisbury 2 parcels of land on Route 1A at the gateway to the Beach Center area, giving the Town control of all frontage on Beach Road from Cable Avenue to the entrance to the State Reservation. These 2 parcels are seen as critical to the Thompson Group’s proposal to redevelop the entire Beach Center district.
Town Meeting voted in May of 2009 in favor of a Home Rule petition that would eliminate a reversionary clause on a parcel of land that the State transferred to Salisbury in 1959 and has been used for the past 50 years as the Town’s primary beach parking lot. Additionally, an adjacent parcel of land controlled by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) would be transferred to the Town.
“As Salisbury looks to develop the beach center in partnership with The Thompson Group and other investors, these two gateway parcels of land on Beach Road are crucial for those plans,” said Representative Costello. “I want to thank Secretary Jeff Mullan of the Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for his assistance with this bill and for understanding the vision for the future of Salisbury Beach.”
“As we look to the future of Salisbury Beach, it is critical for the state to help promote private investment in our communities,” said Senator Baddour. “I am pleased that this land transfer is moving forward. When The Thompson Group project is completed, these parcels of land will serve as a vital gateway for the revitalized area.”
Town Manager Neil J. Harrington stated, “Without the relentless support of our legislative delegation, this important bill would not have passed. I am very appreciative of the efforts of Sen. Baddour and Rep. Costello, who once again have helped Salisbury take a major step forward toward the eventual revitalization of Salisbury Beach.”