m-BOA-Beacon Street 04.15.15 — File 198990

CITY OF SOMERVILLE INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Members of the Board of Aldermen From: Eileen M. McGettigan, Special Counsel Re: Beacon Street Reconstruction Easement Acquisitions Date: April 15, 2015 ______________________________________________________________________________ Very narrow temporary easements from private property owners are required in order to allow for MassDOT to install new sidewalks and new curbing as part of the Beacon Street reconstruction project. Since last fall, City staff have been meeting with property owners along Beacon Street to acquire the necessary easements. A majority of property owners have decided to donate their respective easements to the City. However, approximately 50 property owners have either not responded to the City’s outreach or wish to be compensated for the easements. These easement areas have been valued by an appraiser and are currently under review by a second appraiser, as required by federal real property acquisition regulations. Shortly, offer letters will be sent to the owners, who will have 30 days in which to respond. When the 30 day period has expired, an item will be docketed with the Board of Aldermen to accept those easements which have been granted by the owners (whether donated or acquired). A second docket item will simultaneously be docketed requesting a Board vote to acquire the remaining temporary easements by eminent domain, as the project will not be able to proceed until all necessary property rights have been acquired.