Proposal would let Plymouth lease the park’s bandstand area

The Massachusetts Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance would be allowed to lease the bandstand area to Plymouth. The lease would cover the existing bandstand and the area from Water Street to the barrier wall at Pilgrim Memorial State Park. State property officials would consult state environmental and parks officials when setting lease terms. The lease must meet Article 97 requirements in the state constitution. Officials could consult the Inspector General and hold public hearings while developing the lease. The initial lease would last 25 years and could be extended by agreement for up to three additional 10-year terms.

Plymouth would set use rules and fees, protect public access, and keep collected money dedicated to the leased area. These requirements would apply to the leased portion of Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Permits must cover only reasonable and necessary times and areas that protect the public’s access to the park. Use rules would require a public hearing and public comment. All fees and other revenue collected by Plymouth would go into a separate fund used only for costs related to the leased area.

Plymouth would oversee the leased area, pay for its daily upkeep, and carry liability insurance. Plymouth’s responsibilities would cover the leased land and its facilities. Plymouth would pay utility costs as provided in the lease. Insurance must also cover the state against injury and property damage claims arising from the leased property. Plymouth would need prior written approval from state property and parks officials before designing or building major improvements. The lease must clearly state who pays for major improvements. Plymouth’s oversight and insurance duties would apply throughout the lease.