Deerfield attempts Eminent Domain on dead man's land (Warren: school, camp)

[RBThescot]

Apparently, it was widely known in Deerfield that Mr. Charles Mark had never been interested​ in selling his 7.45 acre parcel in the town center adjacent to the police department.

This spring, two weeks after Mr Mark died, the Police Chief claimed the deceased Mr. Mark and he had made a "verbal" agreement for Mr Mark to give the Town 2.5 acres of the parcel for a town bandstand.

When the property owner's daughter disputed the truthfulness of that "verbal agreement", and refused to give up the property the Town of Deerfield attempted to take the whole 7.45 acres by emminent domain.

Like something from a cheesey television show. Greed and barely restrained local government officials. A cautionary tale.

https://www.gazettenet.com/Town-Meet...-park-34578251

[MikePRU]

While it absolutely stinks that the town wants to take this person's land by eminent domain (actually happened to the summer camp I used to go to on the Cape). Keep in mind the town does have to pay them market value for the property.

[mdovell]

That *is* really interesting. I can say this. The selectboard has had significant drama for years. Casey Warren left years ago and everything after her turned the town to crap. People were leaving left and right. They just courted her and brought her back. I've been told by a number of people that board doesn't know what they are doing and this plays into that.

Eminent domain for such a use makes little sense and likely would not pass the courts. It's not like it's a dam in the 1920's or some bridge in the 50's. And to take this for...recreational use? really?

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by MikePRU

While it absolutely stinks that the town wants to take this person's land by eminent domain (actually happened to the summer camp I used to go to on the Cape). Keep in mind the town does have to pay them market value for the property.

Indeed. The swath of land is between an existing school/sports fields and a large manufacturing plant (Pelican cases - love that brand), so it is a rather 'prime' imminent domain purchase. Of course, I say this not as the current owner.