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Article 97 & An Act Preserving Open Space in the Commonwealth (M.G.L. c. 3, § 5A)

Ensuring No Net Loss of Protected Open Space

Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution (Art. 97) establishes a right to a clean environment including its natural, scenic, historical, and aesthetic qualities for the citizens of the Commonwealth.   Art. 97 also declares the conservation of natural resources a public purpose and provides that land or easements subject to Art. 97 shall not be used for other purposes or disposed of without a two-thirds roll call vote of the Legislature.

An Act Preserving Open Space in the Commonwealth (codified at M.G.L. c. 3, § 5A), also known as the Open Space Act, established in statute requirements and a process for submission to the legislature of petitions to authorize the use for another purpose or disposition of land subject to Article 97 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth (Art. 97).

Under the Act, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) must receive alternatives analyses and consider requests for waivers or modifications of the replacement land requirement or the payment of money in lieu of providing replacement land.   

To advance understanding of the new law, including proper consideration of alternatives and whether proposed replacement land meets the standards of the Act, EEA is providing on this webpage a guidance document, answers to frequently asked questions, and other useful information.

A “ Portal” has also been created to streamline the submission process by providing an online tool for EEA to accept required documents and easily post alternative analyses, facilitating compliance with the notification requirement of M.G.L. c. 3, § 5A.

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Tools & Information

Assistance

All questions related to the M.G.L. c. 3, § 5A or Art. 97 should be sent to Article97@mass.gov including:

  • Questions on the use of the Portal, the application itself, the status of a submission, or the availability of information on submissions;
  • Policy oriented or substantive questions about Art. 97; and
  • Technical questions around the proper drafting of legislation.

EEA policy, legal, and legislative staff will collaboratively review & respond to submitted questions.

Draft Regulations and Public Comment

Tracker (Access to M.G.L. c. 3, § 5A Submissions & Decisions)

File NumberApplying EntityOwner of Art. 97 InterestDate SubmittedPortal SubmissionAlternatives AnalysisEEA ResponsesSupplemental Materials Submitted 
A97_001_213Town of North ReadingTown of North Reading  Alternatives AnalysisWaiverSupplemental Materials
A97_002_305Wakefiled Municipal Light and Gas Department Town of Wakefield  Alternatives Analysis Supplemental Materials
A97_003_189Town of MiltonTown of Milton  Alternatives AnalysisDetermination of Natural Resource ValueSupplemental Materials
A97_004_160City of LowellDepartment of Conservation and Recreation 6/24/2024Portal Submission DataAlternatives Analysis Supplemental Materials
A97_005_223Town of OrangeTown of Orange6/26/2024Portal Submission DataAlternatives Analysis Supplemental Materials
A97_006_050Department of TransportationTown of Canton   Alternatives AnalysisReport of in Lieu Funding Supplemental Materials
A97_007_046Town of BrooklineTown of Brookline  Alternatives Analysis Supplemental Materials
A97_008_330Department of TransportationTown of Westford    Waiver of Replacement LandSupplemental Materials
A97_009_197Town of Nantucket Town of Nantucket    Waiver of Replacement Land 
A97_010_329Town of WestfieldDepartment of Conservation and Recreation   Waiver of Replacement Land 
A97_011_330Department of TransportationTown of Westford  Alternative AnalysisReport of In Lieu FundingSupplemental Materials
A97_012_102Ashley Freetown Realty TrustDepartment of Conservation and Recreation 7/22/2024Portal Submittal DataAlternatives Analysis Supplemental Materials
A97_013_149City of Lawrence City of Lawrence 9/11/2024Portal Submittal DataAlternatives AnalysisDetermination of Natural Resource ValueSupplemental Materials
A97_014_189Town of MiltonDepartment of Conservation and Recreation 10/16/2024 Alternatives AnalysisReport of In Lieu FundingSupplemental Materials
A97_015_137City of Holyoke Department of Conservation and Recreation 1/7/2025Portal Submittal DataAlternatives AnalysisWaiver of Replacement LandSupplemental Materials
A97_016_031Town of BillericaTown of Billerica4/9/2025Portal Submittal DataAlternatives AnalysisWaiver of Replacement LandSupplemental Materials

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