Wareham, MA

Wareham, MA: (Aug-31-07) Mrs. Haupt, former owner of a beachfront property, brought a lawsuit against Wareham, alleging that the town took the property by eminent domain in 2003. The town took the 5.35 acres of private land to expand Swifts Beach and paid Haupt $450,000. She later sued for more, and jurors decided in April 2007 that the land was worth $1.55 million, leaving the town liable for the balance plus interest. A US District Court put the amount at $1,211,975.87. The figure was based on the $1.1 million balance jurors said the town must pay for the property, plus interest and costs associated with the suit. During the trial, the town argued that the land was worth $730,500, assuming that a duplex could be built there, based on a reappraisal. The agreement brings to a close the protracted legal battle with the town's 2003 taking of 5.35 acres of private land to expand Swifts Beach. Sources state that as a result of mediation, the town saved about $100,000 by avoiding interest payment on the damages. Officials plan to use Community Preservation Act money to cover the million the town owes, Town Administrator John McAuliffe said. [SOUTH COAST TODAY: EMINENT DOMAIN]

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Published on Sep-4-07