Select board approves easements for Messenger and Taunton Street intersection despite business owner objections

A town staff member told the select board that the town meeting had approved the easements and funding to compensate property owners, noting there are 14 temporary construction easements and 10 permanent easements and that certified mailings notifying owners of their compensation were sent 30 days before the meeting.

The staff member said the project is an intersection widening to provide three lanes approaching the intersection and a longer merge, which requires corner and adjacent property easements to widen the roadway and sidewalk. He explained that temporary construction easements allow construction vehicles to use parts of private property and may require reconstruction of drive connections, curbing or landscaping.

Asked about duration, the staff member said the construction easement term is three years but clarified that does not mean crews will be working in front of every property for the entire period; active construction was estimated to be about two years.

A nearby resident and business owner challenged the compensation for his property at 11 Taunton Street, saying the staff member had offered "$47,800." The resident said his annual real estate tax is about $9,000 and, "After 3 years, I pay 56,000 only for the real estate tax," and asked whether the payment would fairly cover lost business and increased burdens during construction.

A planning department staff member said he was sympathetic to the business owner's situation but noted that much of the project planning and approvals are controlled by the state; he added the department can be "a listening ear" and help where possible.

The chair introduced the "order of taking." A committee member moved that the select board "approve and execute the order of taking to acquire the permanent and temporary easements for the Messenger Street and Taunton Street intersection improvement project." The chair noted that the particular property appeared more penalized than others and emphasized ensuring compensation figures were correct and fair. The chair called for the vote; the board voice-voted "Aye" and the motion carried.

The board approved the order of taking to secure the permanent and temporary easements needed for the intersection widening. The record in the transcript shows a voice vote passed the motion; a complete roll-call tally was not specified in the meeting record.

Next steps were not detailed in the transcript; the staff member advised that the town and planning department will continue coordination, and property owners previously notified by certified mail will be compensated as described.