The Planning Board approved to support the Sippican Lands Trust’s application under the Community Preservation Act for $300,000 for the acquisition of 12 acres of land at Monday night’s meeting. The act allows towns to adopt a real estate tax surcharge up to three percent to fund preservation of historic and open space, affordable community housing and public recreation. Marion’s surcharge is set at two percent.

The lands trust entered a contract with Baywatch Realty Trust in September for five acres of upland and seven acres of wetlands around the area of Route 105, Spring Street and Front Street. The contract comes after years of seeking an agreement on how the land should be used and Baywatch’s intended Ch. 40B development. In a letter to the Board, the lands trust said the contract included access for the bike path from the current railroad bed to Spring Street and a reduction in the density of the housing project from 168 units to 96. An increase in affordable units from 42 to 60 was also part of the contract.

“I think after ten years of negotiations it’s finally got to where it’s going to be supported,” Board member Sherman Briggs Jr. said. “It’s been through a gridlock effort from concerned citizens, and it still has to go through Community Preservation Committee.”

Briggs added the application would be reviewed Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. by the committee. If lands trust's request is not approved, the development will not be reduced.

In other business:

The Board and new property owner Joe Sauro discussed the former Frigate Steakhouse, 806 Mill Road. Sauro, who owns the Gateway Tavern in Wareham, told the Board he wanted to hear Marion’s thoughts on how the property should be used. Sauro said his original idea was to keep the building as a restaurant or use the property for housing units.

“I want to do something successful for the town,” he added. “Which is why I approached the Board. I don’t want to do something the town doesn’t want and leave a sour taste in its mouth.”

Jay Ryder, Chairman of the Board, said it was refreshing to hear Sauro was asking for input from the town and the Board would work closely with him as the project develops.