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Charlemont assessors apply temporary 50% reduction to 191 Legate Hill Road after oil contamination
Summary
The Charlemont Board of Assessors voted to apply a temporary 50% influence to the land and buildings at 191 Legate Hill Road after a fuel‑oil leak contaminated soil and groundwater; the revised assessment reduced value by $69,500 and will be reviewed in one year.
The Charlemont Board of Assessors voted Feb. 10, 2025, to apply a temporary 50% influence (reduction) to the land and buildings at 191 Legate Hill Road after contamination from a fuel‑oil leak required Department of Environmental Protection involvement and remediation work.
Assessor's Clerk Carlene Hayden presented a revised assessment reflecting contamination and cleanup costs; valuation vendor Mark Harrell told the board there would be no abatement for Fiscal Year 2025 because the assessment date is Jan. 1, 2024, but advised that the board could apply a 50% influence going forward. Hayden said the revised assessment results in a $69,500 value reduction.
Chair Jacqueline Cashin moved to apply the temporary 50% influence and to revisit the assessment in one year; Member Anthony Ostroski seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Hayden will notify the property owners of the board's decision.
The board's action is administrative rather than a statutory abatement for FY2025; the valuation vendor's explanation to the board was that the assessment date prevented an abatement for the current fiscal year but supported a reduction prospectively. The board recorded that DEP and an environmental consultant have been involved in remediation of soil and groundwater at the site.
The assessors did not provide an updated tax dollar impact in the meeting minutes; the board said it will reassess the property after one year to determine whether further action is warranted.
