Kingston Selectmen Vote to Transfer Conservation Land First Refusal Rights to Wildlands Trust
Appoint George Samia Interim Town Administrator
KINGSTON - September 9 - The Kingston Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 September 9 to assign the town's right of first refusal on a buildable half-acre lot on Elm Street to the Wildlands Trust for conservation purposes, despite strong opposition from the property owners who argued the decision undermines property rights and delays their planned sale.
The Full Story
The contentious vote centered on property at Elm Street, Map 63, Lot 9, owned by the Maribett family, which has been enrolled in Chapter 61A agricultural tax assessment since 1985. Under state law, when property exits the program for sale, the town has a right of first refusal to purchase at the agreed-upon sale price.
The Maribetts, represented by Attorney John McCluskey, have a purchase and sale agreement with buyers for $250,000 and urged the board not to exercise or assign the town's rights. "We have a family that wants to buy this property for 250. We have a certified purchase and sale agreement. That's the price," McCluskey argued, calling the Wildlands Trust's letter "slanderous" to the property's marketability.
Ronald Maribett, co-owner of the property, spoke emotionally about his family's 40-year commitment to organic farming to protect the town's nearby wells. "We have been doing, in the marketplace, conservation and preservation and sustainable behaviors," he said. He questioned what message the board was sending to seniors looking to use their property rights and young people facing a housing shortage.
Attorney Dennis Murphy, representing Wildlands Trust, assured the board his client has the financial capacity to complete the purchase and would place at least 70% of the property under permanent conservation restriction. The property abuts 27 acres already owned by Wildlands Trust.
The assignment grants Wildlands Trust the same right the town would have had - to purchase the property at the agreed-upon market price of $250,000 within statutory deadlines. The trust would have 90 days to close once they formally exercise the right of first refusal.
Conservation Agent Matt Penella confirmed the Kingston Conservation Commission voted to support transferring the rights to Wildlands Trust, noting the property provides important access for managing a high-hazard dam and sluiceway on adjacent trust land.
In other significant business, the board unanimously approved earmarking all remaining and future opioid settlement funds for a new regional Family Services Unit in the police department. Chief Brian Holmes will partner with Plymouth and Halifax to create a shared mental health clinician position funded by state grants, potentially saving Kingston $78,000 annually.
The board also adopted a state-mandated Cannabis Social Equity Policy 4-1, with Selectman Kim Emberg casting the sole dissenting vote, "absolutely not." The policy prioritizes social equity applicants for any future cannabis licenses and includes a six-month exclusive application period.
Other actions included approving upgraded EV charging stations at no cost to the town, increased winter plow contractor rates to remain competitive with surrounding communities, and appointing George Samia as interim town administrator effective September 29th when current administrator Keith Hickey departs for Fairhaven. Samia was a longtime East Bridgewater Town Administrator.
The board also supported creating a veterans services district with Duxbury that could save Kingston approximately $78,000 annually by sharing costs for a veterans agent and part-time administrator between the two communities.
Why It Matters
The Elm Street decision highlights the ongoing tension between property rights and conservation goals in Kingston. For the Maribett family, the assignment potentially delays their sale and adds uncertainty to the closing process. For conservation advocates, it preserves open space adjacent to existing protected land and maintains agricultural character along a historic corridor.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Assign town's right of first refusal on Elm Street property to Wildlands Trust. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-1. (Timestamp: 1:02:47)
Motion: Approve no parking signs at First Parish Church crosswalk with shared cost. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:11:49)
Motion: Adopt Cannabis Social Equity Policy. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-1 (Emberg voting no). (Timestamp: 1:26:25)
Motion: Earmark opioid settlement funds for Family Services Unit. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:48:57)
Motion: Approve winter plow rate increases. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:51:56)
Motion: Approve EV charging station upgrades. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-1. (Timestamp: 1:59:39)
Motion: Appoint George Samia as interim town administrator. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:03:19)
Motion: Support veterans district with Duxbury. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:15:11)
Motion: Open special town meeting warrant. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:20:18)
Public Comment
Susan Sherman thanked Highway Superintendent Shawn Turner and his crew for professional sidewalk repairs on Main Street, calling attention to the historic significance of the 221-year-old neighborhood. Multiple property owners and attorneys spoke extensively during the Elm Street right of first refusal discussion, with emotional testimony about property rights and conservation goals.
What's Next
Wildlands Trust must record the assignment and have their board vote to exercise the right of first refusal, then complete the purchase within 90 days. The tri-board meeting with School Committee and Finance Committee is scheduled for September 18th. Special town meeting warrant closes September 26th, with town meeting scheduled for October 28th. Various inter-municipal agreements for the Family Services Unit and veterans district require completion before implementation.