The Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission will need to get Town Meeting’s approval before buying any additional land.

This changes the current policy allowing the commission to enter into an agreement so long as it acquires Selectmen approval.

Article 35 of the May 21 Town Meeting Warrant was submitted by petitioners after a deal to purchase land near Quelle Lane fell through.

The commission’s proposal angered many of the area’s residents who raised concerns over invasion of their private property and increased traffic levels.

Carol Amick, President of the Quelle Lane Association, said the petition was not an attempt to prevent the commission from doing its job, but rather to require the commission to follow a more “open” process.

“This will provide Marion with a modern, open, transparent and accountable government,” Amick said.

Resident Charles Bradley agreed.

“We need to stop and plan what’s our next move,” Bradley said. “We’ll go broke buying land. I think we need a master plan.”

Resident Tom Maguaran also supported the article.

“I think that the commission has done a very admirable job,” Maguaran said. “This article just makes the process work the way it’s supposed by bringing the entire process into the public view.”

John Rockwell, a member of the commission, opposed the article.

“If passed it would prevent us from acquiring any property,” Rockwell said. “It’s very burdensome. It’s a poor choice of words to tell someone they have to wait six months to make a gift to the town.”

All funds used in acquiring land were appropriated by previous Town Meetings, Rockwell said.

To date, the commission has $425,000 in funds to acquire land.

“We never asked for money,” he said. “This is money set aside.”

Resident Norm Hills and Selectmen Chair John Henry also opposed the article.

“The commission has held over 200 public hearings and presented at over 12 Town Meetings,” Hills said. “It’s not like they are wandering out there without any guidance. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

“Everything done by the commission has been done in accordance with state law,” Henry said.

Rockwell proposed an amendment to the article, which would require that the commission get Town Meeting approval for all land acquisitions except for donated parcels from residents.

“This would lessen the burden on those people who want to donate to the town they love,” Rockwell said.

Following a close 75 to 63 vote, Rockwell’s proposed amendment was rejected by Town Meeting, and the article passed as written.