HOLLIS – The Board of Selectmen recently opted not to proceed with the acquisition of Rocky Pond despite public support to purchase nearly 1 mile of shorefront and 140 acres around the property.

In late April, the board released a document thanking the landowners for bringing a potential acquisition to the town’s attention through the Land Protection Study Committee, but selectmen chose not to move forward after reviewing the "factual accuracy of the construction of the warrant article at Town Meeting" and other matters associated with complicated covenants and subdivision," according to the board.

As a result, negotiations regarding a potential acquisition are concluded without the execution of a purchase-and-sale agreement. Selectmen, in the April 21 release, say the board would welcome the opportunity in the future to revisit this matter should it present itself to the town.

It’s unclear whether the chance will come again. David Gilmour, of the Hollis Land Protection Committee, said in a letter in February that the property "is poised to go on the market this spring if not purchased by the town." Gilmour noted that the property was approved for a subdivision in 1992.

The pond has been owned by the Bell-Worcester family since the mid-1880s, and voters at Town Meeting approved an article to purchase and permanently protect about 140 acres on Rocky Pond for $2.55 million. The body of water itself is about 64 acres, more than 11/2 times as large as Silver Lake.

Supporters of the article say it was a one-time opportunity for all Hollis residents to enjoy the property. The pond is an important source of water to the town, as well, feeding into the Nissitissit aquifer.

Chris Garofolo can be reached at 594-6465, cgarofolo@nashuatelegraph.com or @Telegraph_Chris.