Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H5137

Introduced
12/12/24  
Engrossed
12/12/24  

Caption

Authorizing the division of capital asset management and maintenance to release a certain sewer line easement in the West Roxbury section of the city of Boston

Impact

This legislation is framed as an emergency law, indicating its immediacy concerning public convenience and necessity. By allowing the release of the easement, the bill represents a significant alteration to existing property rights and legal frameworks around public utilities in the area. The commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance, in consultation with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, is tasked with determining the specific boundaries of the easement to be released, which reflects a focused approach on ensuring proper assessment before proceeding.

Summary

House Bill 5137 seeks to authorize the division of capital asset management and maintenance to release a specific sewer line easement in the West Roxbury section of Boston. The bill identifies a parcel of land owned by Nora, LLC, located at 49 Charles Park Road, which currently has certain easement rights associated with it. This release the bill proposes is aimed at facilitating further developments or adjustments that may enhance the property’s utility for its owner.

Contention

While the text does not explicitly outline points of contention, the nature of such bills often invites scrutiny regarding the implications for public resource management and the potential concerns of local residents regarding changes to public utility easements. Particular stakeholders might raise questions about transparency in the appraisal process as outlined in the bill, where the appraisal's methodology is subject to review and report by the inspector general prior to execution. Ensuring that local interests are safeguarded while simultaneously allowing development is likely to be a balancing act that emerges during discussions surrounding this bill.

Companion Bills

MA S2289

Similar To Resolve relative to a VFW Parkway master plan special commission

MA S574

Similar To Relative to certain property to be used for conservation or recreational purposes

MA H4892

Replaces Authorizing the division of capital asset management and maintenance to release a certain sewer line easement in the West Roxbury section of the city of Boston

Similar Bills

VA HB1721

Condemnation of conservation or open-space easement; compensation, Uniform Easement Relocation Act.

CA SB948

California Environmental Quality Act community plans.

TX SB1009

Relating to the adoption of the Uniform Easement Relocation Act.

AR HB1408

To Create The Uniform Easement Relocation Act.

OK HB1060

Easements; the Oklahoma Uniform Easement Relocation Act of 2025; easement relocation; court orders; effective date.

UT HB0132

Uniform Easement Relocation Act

GA HR1085

Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize

GA HR1113

Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize