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BNRC Closes Purchase of Mahanna Cobble
On December 4, Berkshire Natural Resources Council closed on the purchase of 80 mountaintop acres from the Bousquet Ski Area that have been at the center of ongoing litigation for nearly two years.
“The purchase of Mahanna Cobble is an important gain for Berkshire conservation, and a historic milestone in the ongoing effort to protect Yokun Ridge for public benefit and enjoyment,” said Tad Ames, BNRC president.
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BNRC originally signed a purchase and sale contract for Mahanna Cobble with George Jervas, owner of the Bousquet Ski Area, in March 2007. Later that year, a New York City development group, along with local businessman Patrick Muraca, initiated inquiries into buying the entire ski area, including the land under contract to BNRC, which straddles the crest of the ridgeline immediately south of the ski area.
The ski area and its would-be buyers have differing interpretations of what happened next. The potential buyers delivered a $100,000 check to the ski area, which was deposited, and then filed suit against the ski area a couple months later when it became evident that Jervas intended to honor his contract with BNRC.
BNRC intervened in the suit as a co-defendant with the ski area in order to protect its interests. Earlier this year, the Berkshire Superior Court found that BNRC’s contract remained valid and enforceable, clearing the way for last week’s purchase.
The development group says it will appeal the judge’s ruling.
“The story is not completely over,” Ames said, “but the rulings have been in our favor. We are in a strong position. Thanks to many generous supporters, BNRC now owns the land, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure it remains conserved and open to the public.”
Checks can be mailed to BNRC, 20 Bank Row, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Please write “Mahanna Cobble” on the memo box.
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For more information, please call us at 413.499.0596.
