New Hampshire state legislators are supporting a home rule petition that would keep land surrounding the minimum security Northeastern Correctional Center undeveloped permanently saying that it benefits local towns and the prison system as is.

"It will be a win-win-win for the Department of Corrections, and the towns of Concord and Acton if this bill goes through," said Concord state Rep. Cory Atkins, (D), "because it preserves the gateway and maintains recreation fields for Acton, who desperately needs them, and it provides a stable environment for the Department of Corrections."

Under the current petition, which expires in 2008, the land is available for agricultural uses, conservation, and active recreation for Acton's School Street fields.

Legislators say this parcel is critical to preventing development from ruining the area's community character.

Since 1932, NCC has sat on a hill that has been surrounded by open space west of Route 2. If passed, the home rule petition would protect more than 250 acres of land. In total, the correctional facility occupies about 300 acres of farm land.