Council authorizes solicitor to draft eminent-domain resolution for Map 9 Lot 19; abutters ask for restored signage

The Charlestown Town Council on March 10 said it will consider formal eminent-domain action to resolve ownership of Map 9 Lot 19 (a parcel on Charlestown Beach Road) after receiving a title-examination report from the town solicitor.

Councilors reported they met in executive session before the open meeting and unanimously voted to authorize the town solicitor to draft a resolution that would give the town authority to acquire Map 9 Lot 19 through eminent domain; that draft resolution will be placed on the March 24 council meeting agenda for possible action.

During public comment, Christopher O'Connor, an attorney representing abutters to Lot 19, said the Town does not own the parcel and that the council previously voted to remove signage at the site in 2021. O'Connor said a prior attorney memo made the town's position clear in 2021 and asked the council to restore the signage the council had removed, arguing the town had no greater interest than other parties. He told the council that petitioning the General Assembly or other steps may follow but urged restoration of the signs in the interim.

Councilors said the title search and related research were intended to produce a definitive answer about ownership so the town could move forward. The council chair said the solicitor's opinion and the council's chosen course of action would be one way to resolve the issue, and confirmed the matter would return to the March 24 agenda.