NORTHAMPTON - The city has reached a tentative agreement to buy a majority of the Bean Farm near downtown Florence for $910,000, but the City Council Thursday tabled a decision on whether to endorse the purchase until councilors have a chance to hear from the public.

Nearly every resident who spoke at the standing-room only council meeting said they'd like to see the land preserved for agricultural purposes, but they urged the council to not move forward with plans to seek Community Preservation Act money until a public discussion takes place to determine what to do with the land.

Many stressed they want to be a part of crafting that plan and haven't felt that they've been given that chance. Resident Ben James, a farmer and member of the Agricultural Commission, said he wants an "open and inclusive process for the use and design of the property." He said such a discussion could be precedent setting and leave people feeling positive about playing a part in the decision.

If approved, the city hopes to use CPA money to acquire 47 acres of the 60-acre farm located between Spring Street and the Mill River. The deal, which does not include 13 acres on the west side of Spring, comes with numerous terms, said Wayne Feiden, director of the Office of Planning and Development.

In addition to the fields, the city would get enough land for three or four frontage lots and the farm's primary barn. The Bean family would retain an existing farmhouse and five other lots, which they would put on the market, said Feiden.

Other stipulations spelled out in the agreement call for the city to apply for future permits for the six lots the Beans are keeping and prohibit construction of homes in the fields and also prevent building of affordable housing on the city's lots.

In his presentation, Feiden cautioned the deal is far from complete. In addition to City Council approval, the city must still receive funding from the CPA and conduct an expensive assessment of the property.

Feiden outlined three scenarios for future use of the Bean Farm: keep it entirely agricultural, use it all for as many as eight or nine playing fields, or divide it up for both uses.

At-Large City Councilor Michael R. Bardsley said the council should hold off on making a decision until the information can be presented for neighbors and abutters.

"They've been without a ward representative for some time, and we should make sure they get an opportunity to view the presentation you've shown us tonight," he said.

Ward 7 Councilor-elect Gene Tacy, who will replace the late Raymond LaBarge, urged the council to step back and get the public to weigh in.

"The process is so far from being open," Tacy said. "I don't see how you can go through with the purchase without involving the public."

The family had been asking for $2.5 million for the entire farm, down from its $2.9 million asking price when it went on the market two years ago.

Few disagree that the city should buy the farm, and the Agricultural Commission, Recreation Commission and Conservation Commission have all urged the City Council to support the purchase. Councilors seemed to agree Thursday, but were not comfortable taking a stance until after a public forum takes place. That forum is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m. at JFK Middle School's community room.

"Tonight I've heard a consensus in terms of purchasing the land, and what we have to do is move ahead with that," said Ward 2 City Councilor Paul D. Spector.

Ward 4 City Councilor David J. Narkewicz made a motion to table the decision to the council's next meeting on Dec. 3. The public forum would then take place Dec. 7, followed by a second City Council vote on Dec. 17. All councilors, with the exception of Ward 3 City Councilor Robert C. Reckman, voted in favor of revisiting the decision next month.

Most of the speakers Thursday favored keeping the land for farming.

"It's a magical, beautiful place ... keep it how it is but buy it to protect it," said Marlene Morin of 121 Florence Road.

Morin added that soccer fields would increase traffic and questions how the city can afford to maintain ballfields given its budget constraints.

Resident Tusi Gastonguay, of 121 Willow St., agreed.

"This kind of land is unique ... to do anything but keep it as farmland would be unconscionable," she said.

Chad Cain can be reached at ccain@gazettenet.com.