Douglas Open Space Committee Loses Grant, Eyes Fundraising for $16,000 Project

DOUGLAS — July 14, 2026 — Douglas Open Space Committee loses competitive grant bid, leaving a $16,000 project without funding. Chair Sue Perkins announced at the committee's July 14 meeting that the application — submitted against a pool of at least 121 competitors — was rejected earlier than expected, with no town match now in play. Members including Gordon Larrabee, Becky Callagher, and Kathy Richards agreed to research alternative grants and discussed redirecting the committee's newly forming UniPay donation account toward closing the gap. The committee also disclosed an alleged encroachment on town-owned Moczynski open space land, where a resident on the Sutton town line reportedly installed an in-ground pool and removed trees — a matter members said may reach the Conservation Commission as soon as its July 20 meeting. Long-serving member Lisa, a roughly 25-year veteran of the committee, is considering stepping down, leaving the committee looking for at least one new member.