Authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to convey a certain parcel of land in the city of Pittsfield
This bill contains provisions that allow the secretary of MassDOT, or their designee, to perform the land conveyance notwithstanding existing general or special laws that may otherwise restrict such actions. The conveyance will be executed via a release deed, and the Bishop's corporation will be responsible for covering all associated conveyance costs, including surveys and appraisals. Essentially, this bill seeks to streamline the process of transferring state-owned land to a religious organization while ensuring the state recovers the fair market value for the property.
House Bill 4939 is a legislative act that authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to convey a specific parcel of land in Pittsfield to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield for cemetery purposes. The bill emphasizes the urgent nature of this conveyance, designating it as an emergency law to ensure immediate execution. The land in question, noted as 'Parcel B,' spans approximately 28 acres and had previously been taken for highway purposes, as documented in an order of taking from 1971.
Given the nature of the bill, potential areas of contention could arise during discussions regarding land use and the allocation of government-held land to religious entities. Critics may question the implications of allowing a government body to transfer public land for private use, particularly for a cemetery, which could have broader social and community consequences. However, the absence of vocal opposition in the voting history suggests that there may be a general consensus or a lack of awareness concerning this particular bill.
The bill was enacted by the Senate on July 31, 2024, with a unanimous vote of 39 yeas and no nays, indicating strong support for the measure among legislators. This voting history reflects a positive reception of the bill, suggesting that legislators may view the conveyance as beneficial not only for the religious organization but for the community's needs regarding cemetery space.