Southwick Agricultural Commission Declines Right of First Refusal on Chapter 61A Parcel

SOUTHWICK -- June 10, 2026, Southwick Agricultural Commission unanimously declines right of first refusal on a Chapter 61A parcel and adds two prospective members. The commission voted at its June 10 meeting to waive the town's statutory right on a property that Chair, identified in the meeting but not confirmed by roster, said did not qualify as agricultural land under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 61A. Guest Doug Moglen, who assisted town hall in processing the notification, urged the commission and allied boards to develop a prioritized list of target properties before the next parcel reaches the market, noting the town has a 120-day window once a right-of-first-refusal notice is received. Ashley Perrone, of 181 South Luma Street, and Janice Prifty, trustee of 55 acres at 275 Granville Road, introduced themselves as commission applicants; the chair said he had already forwarded recommendations to the Select Board. Jennifer DiPietro was approved as commission secretary, replacing Cynthia Barton, and the commission voted to skip the Southwick 250th anniversary parade to focus resources on Open Farm Day.