AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE TO CHANGE THE USE OF A CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SUBSURFACE GEOTHERMAL WELLS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the town of Brookline may use a certain portion of the Pierce school playground, acquired in part for playground purposes, for the installation of subsurface geothermal wells. Upon completion of the installation and within 12 months after disturbance of the surface, the town of Brookline shall restore and improve the Pierce school playground for the continued use of the land for playground and recreational purposes.
(b) The parcel of land which may be used for the installation of subsurface geothermal wells is a 1.53-acre portion of the Pierce school playground, shown as “Playground Area” on a plan of land entitled “Article 97 Plan,” 53-65 School Street, Brookline, Mass. draft dated 06/27/2024, and prepared by Feldman Geospatial, a copy of which is on file in the office of the town clerk.
(c) As mitigation for the permanent subsurface change in use described in subsection (a), the town shall make improvements to the Pierce school playground and such improvements shall be of equal or greater value than the monetary value of the permanent subsurface impact, as confirmed by an affidavit from the town assessor.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved, August 8, 2024.