Bohanan easement gets LCHIP relief

Hopkinton residents will be asked to contribute $200,000 less towards the Bohanan Farm conservation easement after the project received additional funds.

The monies will come from the state's Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), which is funded partially through the sale of moose license plates.

"We're absolutely delighted; couldn't be happier," expressed Dijit Taylor, Chairwoman of the Open Space Committee who spearheaded the Bohanan Farm project.

Voters approved expending $360,000 towards the project at a special town meeting in December. LCHIP grant proceeds will offset that cost, reducing the tax impact to approximately 2 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

According to Taylor, the project was ranked the best in the state in this grant round application.

"I feel really fortunate," stated Mark Zankel, Chairman of the Five Rivers Conservation Trust. "I think it's a really great testament to how important this project is."

Zankel also emphasized the great news this is for taxpayers in Hopkinton, as it will significantly reduce the amount of the town bond.