Landowners’ compliance sought for High Street upgrades
“About 50 High Street landowners and residents gathered for a public hearing at Town Hall Tuesday night to learn more about the “proposed acquisition of property” necessary to rehabilitate a 2.8-mile section of their road. At the end of the special meeting, many were signing on the dotted line.
In order for the $4.35 million — first estimated at $3.5 million — project to move ahead, 23 High Street property owners need to voluntarily turn over a portion of their parcels to make way for roadway, sidewalk and drainage improvements and a new biking/jogging lane.
Some weighed the benefits Tuesday and complied. Others will take a little more time to decide. For those who refuse, the town will likely exercise eminent domain — which is the right of a government to take private property for public use, with compensation.
Highway Superintendent Mark Years said project plans are about 85 percent complete and, once public input is added to the mix, should be finalized in mid February.
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Burri, Melody. Daily Messenger 22 January 2014.