What's Next for Town-Owned Red Gate Farm?

What's next for town-owned Red Gate Farm? Actually, the town doesn't own it quite yet.

On Monday, voters approved funding for the purchase that was approved at town meeting earlier this month, now town officials must now:

• Hold a public hearing at which the Board of Selectmen must officially agree to exercise the town's Right of First Refusal to take the land out of the 'forestry' tax category. This will be done at the board's next meeting, and filed with the Registry of Deeds. 
  
• Negotiate an official purchase and sale agreement to include the terms agreed to at town meeting. This is done by Town Counsel. 
• Conduct due diligence, including a title rundown.
• Hold a closing where the town will officially take title of the property. The closing date is largely determined by the landowner who might want to wait until January to close.