An Act in relation to James J. O'Neil Park

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Moran and 1 co-sponsor

Lawrence may swap 77 sq ft of James J. O’Neil Park for 333 sq ft of adjacent land, with the land kept for open space, conservation, and passive recreation under Article 97.

Amended by substitution of bill with the same title, see H5531

Overview

H.4614 is a local land-use measure for the City of Lawrence. The bill authorizes a targeted land transfer within James J. O’Neil Park, allowing the city to exchange a small parcel (77 square feet) for title to a larger adjacent parcel (333 square feet) to be used for recreation. The legislation is intended to preserve open space protections under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution while enabling park improvements.

What the bill would do

Authorize the City of Lawrence to transfer by sale or exchange a portion of park land described as Lawrence Assessors’ Map 128 Lot 39 (James J. O’Neil Park), consisting of about 77 square feet.

In exchange, authorize the city to acquire title to a portion designated as Parcel X, about 333 square feet, for recreation purposes.

Ensure the exchanged/transferred land remains dedicated to open space, conservation, and passive recreation, consistent with Article 97, Chapter 40, Section 8C, and Article 97 protections.

Require the deed or other instrument transferring interest in Lot 39 to state that the land remains held by the City for open space, conservation, and passive recreation.

Key provisions

Section 1: Establishes the framework for a sale or exchange of a small Lot 39 parcel in exchange for Parcel X, as shown on the February 9, 2023 plan (Amesbury Street Right of Way Plans, Lawrence Property Plans). The transaction is conditioned on compliance with Article 97 and related state open-space laws.

Section 2: Any conveyance document must specify that Lot 39, upon transfer to the City, shall be maintained solely for open space, conservation, and passive recreation.

Section 3: The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected parties and scope

Primary: City of Lawrence, including the City Council and Conservation Commission.

Affected land parcels: James J. O’Neil Park (Map 128, Lot 39) and Parcel X identified on the land plan.

Beneficiaries: City residents and park users, through maintained open-space/recreation use and potential park enhancements.

Procedural history and timeline

Introduced/Filed: October 9–15, 2025 (House Docket No. 4614; Bill introduced October 15, 2025).

Initial referrals: Municipalities and Regional Government (October 15, 2025).

Senate actions: Senate concurrence occurred on October 16, 2025.

Hearing: October 31, 2025 (written testimony, scheduled).

Legislative action: Reported favorably by committee as changed and referred to the House Steering, Policy and Scheduling (November 13, 2025).

Status: Referred to House Steering, Policy and Scheduling after favorable report (with changes).

Potential impact and considerations

Positive: Enables a minor land swap to improve or reconfigure park space while preserving open-space protections, potentially enabling enhanced recreation use.

Considerations: The exchange involves public land; hearings and local approvals may address community impacts, access, and ensuring ongoing open-space preservation. The plan relies on Article 97 constraints to ensure the land remains open space-oriented.

Bill