Public Hearing Notice  March 26, 2025 Notice of Public Hearing on the Open Space Act Regulations

This Public Meeting Notice is available in alternative languages (Español -- Tiếng Việt -- Chinese -- Kreyòl Ayisyen -- Português) at Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs under “Upcoming Events”.

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has reopened the public comment period on proposed new regulations authorized by Chapter 274 of the Acts of 2022, An Act to Preserve Open Space in the Commonwealth, and will hold a third public hearing on the proposed regulations. The comment period will close at 5pm on March 26, 2025. The proposed regulations, 301 CMR 52.00: Disposition or Change in Use of Article 97 Interests, are required by the Act and provide procedures and requirements for proposals to change the use or dispose of land or interests in land subject to Article 97 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth. EEA is seeking public comment on the proposed regulations.

A copy of the proposed regulations, a Notice to Reviewers, and other materials are available on the EEA website at Article 97 & An Act Preserving Open Space in the Commonwealth (M.G.L. c. 3, § 5A) | Mass.gov. Copies may also be obtained by sending an email to Michael.gendron2@mass.gov.

EEA will hold a virtual public hearing on these regulations at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Registration is required to obtain access to the virtual hearing room, which will be provided via Zoom. To register, go to: link. There is no requirement to register in advance of the hearing to attend registration and access to the hearing is available both prior to and during the meeting until it has ended.

Simultaneous oral and ASL interpretation will be provided atthe hearing through the virtual hearing room.

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. To submit a request for an accommodation please email eeadiversity@mass.govor call 617-872-3270, and an ADA Coordinator will receive your request. Please include a description of the request in as much detail as possible and a way we can contact you if we need more information. Please allow at least two weeks (14 days) advance notice. Last minute requests will be accepted but we may be unable to fulfill the request.

Testimony may be presented orally at the public hearing or in writing. EEA will consider written comments that are received by 5:00 PM on March 26, 2025. EEA encourages electronic submission of written comments to Michael.gendron2@mass.gov. Please refer to 301 CMR 52 in the subject line. Written comments may also be mailed to: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Attn: Michael Gendron, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114.