Controversial Weilgus eminent domain taking may not move forward, Westfield councilor says
“A controversial eminent domain taking of a Westfield woman’s land as part of the Ashley Street school project is set on the back burner, and one councilor said he suspects the city may abandon those plans.
The proposed eminent domain taking of the 30 acres of Weilgus farmland would offset the one-acre open space at the site of the proposed school, satisfying land use requirements under Article 97. The city appraised the property at $260,000.
The two orders required for the taking — an order of taking, plus an order to appropriate the funds — will remain in the Legislative and Ordinance Committee after Wednesday night’s meeting. Committee chair Brian Sullivan said there are questions to resolve before making a decision.
Councilor James Adams said it was his opinion that the city was going to find another way to satisfy Article 97 requirements, possibly by finding pieces of land other than the Weilgus property.
“None of the opinions mean anything right now because we haven’t moved [the order],” Sullivan said.
Property owner Alice Weilgus attended the committee meeting, but Sullivan explained that the public hearing portion of the issue was finished for the time being, so she could not present to the councilors.”
Warner, Dan. Mass Live 21 August 2014.