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Bristol approves agreement to acquire Shore Manor parcel, avoids condemnation
Summary
The council approved Resolution 4-16-2026-9, authorizing execution of documents to acquire 14 Shore Manor for water and sewer infrastructure for a $103,000 purchase price with a $10,000 upfront payment that counts toward closing; the agreement includes an easement and right-of-first-offer to avoid formal condemnation under statute.
Bristol — The Town Council on April 16 approved a negotiated acquisition option for a Shore Manor property intended to secure water and sewer infrastructure access without resorting to condemnation.
Legal counsel Alex Bowman explained that staff negotiated with the property owner and counsel to reach an agreement that gives the town utility easement rights, a right of first offer and the opportunity to purchase 14 Shore Manor instead of pursuing condemnation. "The town is offering...the $103,000 purchase price...and as part of these negotiations...there'd be a $10,000 upfront payment that would be applicable to the purchase price at closing, but would effectively be the consideration for both the easement and the right of right to purchase," Bowman said.
Bowman framed the approach as a statutory process under the town's eminent domain authority: negotiating an agreed price and securing the easement and purchase rights in lieu of condemnation. The resolution (4-16-2026-9) authorizes the mayor or designated official to execute the easement and right-to-purchase documents and preserve the town's ability to exercise those rights later. Council members asked clarifying questions about the easement width and temporary construction easement needs; Bowman described a 10-foot easement on either side of the property line and noted temporary construction easements that may cross adjacent parcels.
The council moved and voted to approve the resolution; recorded votes showed the motion passed with all listed members voting yes. The agreement will be finalized by executing the documents and applying the upfront payment to the purchase price when/if the town closes.
What happens next: Staff and legal counsel will execute the easement and right-of-first-offer documents and retain the option to acquire the property when exercisable; acquisition will proceed only if/when conditions are met and closing occurs.
