What is this issue about?
The Town of Westwood is suing the Westwood Land Trust, a nonprofit volunteer  organization, over land use decisions involving Clapboardtree Meadow. Residents are questioning why the Town chose litigation and whether it is in the town's best interest.

What is Westwood Land Trust?
The Westwood Land Trust is a non-profit land trust, organized by residents, with a mission to promote protection and stewardship of open space and natural resources in the Town of Westwood. The Westwood Land Trust has final authority on what their protected properties are used for, regardless of any action taken by any branch of town government. (The Westwood Land Trust is not affiliated with our campaign)

Why is there a Special Town Meeting?
Our elected Select Board has repeatedly refused to explain their decision to try to overturn a legal Conservation Restriction. Residents petitioned for a Special Town Meeting after feeling that normal avenues for public discussion were limited or unavailable. The meeting allows for open discussion and a public vote on recommendations to the Select Board.
 
​Why is this meeting in the best interest of our town?
We need to hold our elected officials accountable.This Special Town Meeting is an opportunity to show the Select Board that the public's opinion is important. By Standing Up and Showing Up, we will not allow our elected officials to ignore the will of the people. 

​Why are people concerned about the lawsuit?
Residents have raised concerns about:

• Cost and duration of taxpayer-funded litigation

• Lack of clear public explanation for the decision to sue

• Respect for the Land Trust’s legal authority
   

What will residents be voting on?

Residents will vote on recommendations to the Select Board regarding the lawsuit and related decisions. You must be present to vote.

Can citizens at the Special Town Meeting force the Select Board to drop the lawsuit?

No. Voters cannot force the Select Board to drop the lawsuit regardless of the vote's outcome. Some of the articles are non-binding and may not have a legal impact on the Select Board's actions. This does not mean that the meeting is not worth attending. At this meeting, the Select Board will hear the opinions of all citizens, not the opinions of just a few. 

​​

What is Finance and Warrant Committee (FinCom)?

FinCom is a group of residents who provide input to the Town Meeting through their written recommendation of each article, and a brief description of their discussion of that article and basis for its recommendation. The members are appointed by Town Moderator, who is an elected official and independent of the Select Board.

​​

FinCom voted to indefinitely postpone the warrant articles, what does that mean?

On January 13th, the Finance and Warrant Committee (FINCOM) voted to "indefinitely postpone" the articles we presented. This does NOT mean we will not have the Special Town Meeting. FinCom voted to prevent action on the articles, but this can be overridden at the special town meeting with a majority vote.

​​​

Is this about shutting down Bean Farm?

No. The Special Town Meeting is not a vote on whether a farm should exist. It is about land use authority over our Town owned conservation land, and whether using taxpayer funds for litigation is appropriate. Our call is for transparency from the Select Board ahead of further legal action using taxpayer funds.

​

What is Westwood Conservation Commission?

The Westwood Conservation Commission is a advisory committee to the Select Board, and its members are appointed by the Select Board. They are responsible for advising on "the protection of a community's natural resources."

 

What is Westwood Environmental Action Committee (WEAC)?

WEAC is an advisory committee to the Select Board, and its members are appointed by the Select Board. The Committee is responsible for promoting "energy and resource conservation, renewable energy, water conservation, green buildings, more efficient vehicles, tree planting, recycling and environmental education in the Town of Westwood."

​

​