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Town seeks easements for Otis Street sidewalk/shared‑use path; owners dispute left‑turn impacts
Summary
Community development staff said the Otis Street shared‑use path project is mostly grant‑funded and ready to bid, but two easements held by one landowner (parcels at 74 and 55 Otis Street, owner John Parsons) remain unresolved; appraisals are underway and the town said eminent domain could be considered if negotiations fail.
Fred Leonard, the town’s Community Development Director, briefed the Select Board on Article 24 and the Otis Street sidewalk/shared‑use path project. Leonard said bid openings drew multiple responsive contractors and that the town is confident the work is covered by grants, but that easement agreements remain outstanding for parcels owned by John Parsons at 74 and 55 Otis Street.
Leonard explained that the town is working toward voluntary acquisitions but has started an appraisal (estimated cost $6,000) to determine a fair offer. He said Parsons’ principal concern is the reconfigured driveway and the inconvenience of making a left turn across multiple lanes toward Route 9; the town has studied alternatives, including a possible connection to an adjacent Target driveway controlled by other landowners, but Parsons has not agreed to the proposals.
"If Mister Parsons doesn't agree to this, it doesn't go anywhere," Leonard said, adding that the timing is critical because the town is coordinating grant and utility work and cannot delay the broader project indefinitely. Leonard said the town has considered eminent domain as a last resort and that the warrant language contemplates available funds and potential eminent domain authority if needed.
Board members emphasized continued negotiation and potential landscaping/screening concessions to address landowner concerns and asked staff to continue outreach. Leonard said National Grid and other utilities have been cooperative and that completing the utility work is important to advance the overall project.
No final appropriation or eminent‑domain action was taken at the meeting; staff will pursue appraisals and continued negotiations and return with final numbers for the warrant.
