Finally, a credible journalist with the skills to do research untangles Westfield.


http://wareham-ma.villagesoup.com/news/ … 7CF7E5F670

The simple explanation is that it's not simple. The legal situation is muddy in several areas. But the following can be said with certainty:

1.  There are documents on file at the Registry of Deeds that restrict use of the land. There are also documents on file that do not restrict the use of land. While not necessarily making the land undevelopable, this conflict could make it difficult for a developer to obtain a clear title for a long-term lease of the land.
2.  These restrictions could probably be lifted by a vote of Wareham Town Meeting.
3.  It is unclear, legally, whether leasing the property to a developer and/or lifting those restrictions would require a simple majority vote or a two-thirds majority vote at Town Meeting.

Thank you Cyrus!