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Stone Alley access remains unresolved; committee asks staff to track survey, liability and takings options
Summary
Committee members reviewed Stone Alley — a narrow historic passage near Orange Street — and discussed past survey work, drainage issues, possible takings or easement solutions, liability and maintenance. Staff said a town survey exists but eminent-domain takings are costly and complicated, so the item will remain on the committee's tracking list.
The committee reviewed Stone Alley, a narrow, historically significant passage near Orange Street, and discussed whether the town should pursue taking, easement or other measures to preserve pedestrian access.
Staff reported Stone Alley had been on the committee's potential takings list and that a town-ordered survey exists but has not led to a final resolution. The committee recounted earlier efforts: the town considered a taking to provide guaranteed public access from Orange Street to Union Street, and discussions included drainage and maintenance responsibilities. Staff said the DPW had reviewed the location and declined to assume long-term maintenance because the path is steep and in places narrow; staff said one owner at the bottom of the alley recently installed a new fence and that survey work had been updated.
Committee members and staff discussed options: a permanent public easement that leaves ownership with abutters; full town acquisition through takings (eminent domain); or relying on prescriptive easement rights established by long-term public use. Staff cautioned that eminent-domain takings require appraisals, legal work and funding and are thus time-consuming and expensive. The committee emphasized the passage's cultural and historic value and said they would continue to track developments. A member asked staff not to remove the item from the committee list and to bring it back if circumstances (property transfers, new encroachment, or deterioration) change.
Why it matters: Stone Alley is a local historic feature that provides pedestrian connection near Main Street. Committee members flagged safety, liability and preservation concerns if ownership or maintenance changes.
What the meeting decided: Staff confirmed a survey exists and will keep the item on the committee's active list. No takings or easement action was approved; staff will inform the committee of material developments that affect access or maintenance obligations.
