WELLS — On Tuesday, the public will be able to weigh in on whether the town should purchase additional land to add to the amount of open space in Wells.

The town is considering withdrawing $10,000 from the open space fund for the purchase of a nearly 8-acre parcel adjacent to the Fenderson Commons and Merriland River.

The property is assessed at $18,900, said Town Manager Jonathan Carter, but owner Joyce Hutchins is willing to sell it to the town at a greatly reduced rate.

Conservation Commission Chairman Owen Grumbling termed the deal “a bargain sale,” and said the conservation commission is very grateful to Hutchins for her generosity.

While it’s a small piece of property, Grumbling said, it is important because it includes frontage on Eaton Brook, with is a tributary that flows into the Merriland River.

By conserving this land, he said, the town would be able to “ensure that much more of the health of the Merriland River.”

The river and Merriland watershed is a priority for the conservation commission, said Grumbling, as it flows into Wells Bay.

The bay provides “enormous economic benefits” for the town, he said, and is important for both tourism and fisheries.

Another public hearing to be held Tuesday concerns land use fees.

Proposed is a fee of $150 plus costs to be charged to those petitioning to change zoning district boundaries. In addition, a fee of $150 plus costs would be charged to amend the zoning map. These proposals were approved at the Town Meeting on June 10.

The public hearings will take place during the Wells Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m., at the town municipal building.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or [email protected].