Residents say new county water works, easements and modular construction lowered usable land and value

A Union County homeowner told the Board of Equalization and Review that a county water main extension and a newly completed water treatment plant behind a property removed the tree-screening and left a concrete vent and permanent easement that reduce the lot's privacy and usefulness.

Why it matters: Infrastructure projects can change a property's marketability and perceived value. Owners told the board that, although county public works paid compensation for the front-right-of-way work, the back-of-lot effects and a long utility easement were not reflected in the revaluation.

John and Joy (presented as Jacek/Jaczek) described a new concrete vent feature in front of their driveway and said Union County Public Works had acquired the wooded property behind their lot for a treatment plant. "We cannot put trees back in the front of our property, which was, you know, privacy…