By Alex Malm
During the Feb. 22 Londonderry Town Council meeting one of the agenda items was in regards to a lease with Mack’s Apples.
It was explained by Acting Town Manager Mike Malaguti that last year Mack’s Apples leased the Town owned property at 114 Pillsbury Road without any public process, saying that after consultation it was decided that it was best not to have any interruptions mid season.
This year however, starting Dec. 29 the Town solicited applicants to lease the land.
“For this coming season however, we felt that it was important to open this opportunity up to all applicants so that way we have a transparent and fair process that is open to all comers,” said Maluguti.
He said that applications were accepted until Jan. 31 and the Town received 12 applications including from Mack’s Apples.
Malaguti said that all the applicants either are good causes or show innovative ways to use the parcel or both.
He said that it is a testament to the community and the state of agriculture in 2022.
With that said Malaguti said that Mack’s Apples is the only one who can have everything in place for the start of the season which they feel is important.
He said like last year’s lease he is proposing that the lease is $1 for the year as long as they keep it in good shape.
Malaguti said that the Conservation Commission during their 6:30 p.m. meeting unanimously recommended that the Town Council approve it.
He said that aside from changing the dates and technical things the rest of the lease would be the same from last year.
“It’s my intention for it to be exactly the same,” said Malaguti.
He said that if there are any substantial changes to the lease he would bring it back to the Town Council for their approval.
Town Councilor Deb Paul said that she talked to some local farmers and they agreed that it would be a good idea that Mack’s Apples uses the property for this year.
She said that next year when they have slow time they could have each of the applicants come in and present their vision and how they want to partner with the Town.
Malaguti said that it makes a lot of sense.
“It’s my intention to start this process much earlier next year,” said Malaguti.
The Town Council ultimately agreed to let Malaguti continue to negotiate the lease with Mack’s Apples.