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Maine DOT outlines Rt. 109 reconstruction and potential property takings in Acton
Summary
Maine DOT presented a full reconstruction plan for Rt. 109 to the Acton Select Board, describing a 66-foot right-of-way, potential conversions of fragmented easements to fee ownership, and a standard informational payment of $1,000 offered to affected owners; the board will have the agreement reviewed by the town land-use attorney before acting.
Maine Department of Transportation officials on July 10 told the Acton Select Board that a planned reconstruction of Route 109 will be a comprehensive project that may convert some existing easements into fee ownership and require temporary or permanent easements for construction work.
The details were presented by DOT Senior Project Manager Doug Coombs, design consultant Shawn Davis and negotiator Laurie Welch. Select Board member David Winchell Jr. and other board members attended the briefing.
Why it matters: The project will reshape roadside drainage, curbing and driveway transitions along Rt. 109 and could affect private property lines and ownership titles. Property impacts may trigger compensation procedures and opportunities to appeal through a state process, officials said.
DOT officials described the scope of construction to include ditching, cross culverts, underdrains, curbing, elevation changes and driveway matching. Welch told the board that when work affects property, the department may seek easements or convert parcel segments to fee ownership to replace a patchwork of prior easements. "This is eminent domain, so people don't have a choice," Welch said, adding that owners are not required to accept an initial offer and can pursue appeals through the state commission.
On compensation and offers, Welch said DOT is attempting to make fair offers and noted a standard informational payment of $1,000 will be given as part of the outreach. DOT representatives described a 66-foot right-of-way in the project area and confirmed that plans include work at the Youngs Ridge Road intersection.
Board response and next steps: Select Board members asked several clarifying questions about valuation and the project timeline. DOT said it will send the agreement to the town's land-use attorney for review and the Select Board will consider the agreement at a subsequent meeting.
The presentation did not include a vote; DOT officials said negotiations with individual property owners will occur as needed and that some owners may receive temporary easements while others could see a fee transfer.
The Select Board meeting record shows the DOT presentation concluded with the board requesting the legal review; no further action was taken at the July 10 meeting.
