A conservation restriction or an historic preservation restriction may be released in whole or in part, by the holder thereof, for such consideration, if any, as the holder may determine, in the same manner as the holder may dispose of other interests in land, subject to such conditions as may have been imposed at the time of creation of the restriction; provided, however, that prior to any release, a public hearing shall be held, after notice by publication thereof at least twice in each of the 3 weeks next preceding the date of such hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality or municipalities in which the land is situated. The hearing shall be held by the governmental body holding the restriction, or if held by a charitable conservancy, by the governing body of the municipality in which the land is situated.

L.1979, c. 378, s. 5, eff. Feb. 5, 1980.