Middleboro Selectmen will hear a plan to buy eight homes in Woloski Park using $685,606 in federal funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Woloski Park is in a flood zone along the banks of the Taunton River and Purchade Brook. There are 10 homes in the neighborhood. Eight homes and three vacant lots are targeted for a buyout with a federal grant for a total of just under six acres. According to the assessors records the 11 parcels are valued at just over $700,000.

Town Manager Charles Cristello and Planning Director Ruth M. Geoffroy have partnered with The Nature Conservancy and Department of Fish and Game to purchase the eight properties, three of which are vacant. The application does not seek to buy the entire neighborhood. There are two homes that are not under consideration and sit on higher ground.

If the grant is approved, The Nature Conservancy will pay to have the properties appraised and make an offer to the owners. If the town gets the grant, the homes will be demolished and the land dedicated as open space and a natural floodplain area. Get the rest of the story at EnterpriseNews.com.

Updated November 11, 2010: Selectmen have voted unanimously to apply for $685,606 in federal grant money to buy eight homes in flood-prone Woloski Park. Town Manager Charles J. Cristello asked selectmen to support the application for funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, saying the town “would be better off in the long run.” The money would be used to buy eight homes and three vacant lots valued at more than $700,000, according to the assessors. Woloski Park is in a flood zone and abuts the Taunton River and Purchase Brook. Get more information on EnterpriseNews.com.