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Assembly adopts area‑wide road powers but amends language to authorize easements, not fee‑simple acquisition
Summary
The assembly adopted Ordinance 26‑080, allowing use of area‑wide funds to acquire rights needed for roads, but amended the measure to use easements rather than automatically acquiring fee simple rights of way; staff said this preserves flexibility while enabling long‑term planning.
The assembly approved Ordinance 26‑080 to give the borough area‑wide authority to acquire rights of way, design, and construct roads and related drainage facilities, but members amended the ordinance to prefer acquiring easements rather than fee simple ownership in many cases.
During the public hearing, RSA and planning advocates said area‑wide road powers would allow better long‑range planning and make projects more competitive for discretionary grants. Manager Brown (staff) explained that, if voters approve a powers question, the assembly could then use area‑wide revenue in annual capital budgeting to buy rights of way, design projects and potentially construct them, allowing projects to be phased more cost‑effectively.
An assembly amendment replaced most references to acquiring "rights of way" with language authorizing purchase of "easements" throughout the ordinance; supporters argued easements reduce the borough's long‑term ownership burden while still securing project access. The amendment passed on the floor; the main ordinance was then adopted as amended. The attorney clarified that easements provide use rights without transferring full ownership, while fee purchases remain an option when necessary.
