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Resident raises concern after waterline re‑routing onto private land; selectmen ask water superintendent to follow up
Summary
A resident told the board that a waterline re‑route associated with a Route 11 culvert project now runs across her family property without prior discussion. The board agreed to have the water superintendent map the line, clarify rights or easements, and contact the resident to resolve whether the line will remain or be rerouted.
Donna Richardson told the Town of Alton Board of Selectmen on June 24 that a waterline relocated as part of Route 11 culvert work now runs across her family property and was installed without her consent or prior discussion. She asked the board to explain the plan for compensation, liability and long‑term maintenance.
Richardson said the line now crosses her land to serve approximately 20 homes and that she will not accept personal liability if town employees traverse her property to access or maintain the line. She told the board, “I refuse to be responsible for that,” and asked for a meeting to determine how the town proposes to proceed.
Board members responded that the water superintendent should be asked to provide a detailed map showing the line’s location relative to property lines, existing right‑of‑ways or easements and to meet with Richardson to discuss options. A board member suggested that if the line remains on private land, the town would pursue a formal easement and hold‑harmless language. The board agreed to have the water superintendent follow up with Richardson and to determine whether the town will reroute the line or formalize an easement and compensation, if appropriate.
No formal motion or vote on compensation or rerouting was taken that evening; the board directed staff to gather information and engage the water superintendent and legal counsel as needed.
