The Attorney General has determined Nahant bylaw changes — initiated by Nahant Preservation Trust (NPT) — are illegal.
In response, a Northeastern (NEU) spokesman noted on April 23, in the Daily Item, “This is the third consecutive legal ruling upholding Northeastern’s property rights. Rather than expending time and limited taxpayer resources on further litigation, we hope Nahant Preservation Trust and town officials will instead work in good faith toward an agreement all sides can support…”
Town officials have abandoned any semblance of working toward compromise.
They propose taking part of NEU’s property by eminent domain. Estimated purchase price is $4.5 million. Including interest, estimated total costs are $5.4 million to $5.85 million.
The breakdown: A. $1.5 million, taxpayer borrowing over 30 years, B. $3 million from unnamed private donors, and C. $900,000 to $1,350,000 interest, depending on interest rates.
Officials offer no contingency plans for costs exceeding estimates or donor contributions falling short.
Apparently, NEU offered previous officials a conservation easement. If true, what justification exists to spend even a penny of taxpayer money on eminent domain?
One Selectman announced the town will join NPT in a pending lawsuit against NEU. If accurate, what justification do officials have to prioritize taxpayer funds in this manner? NPT is not authorized to speak for taxpayers.
We respectfully request a change in game plan, and ask for a strategy of compromise, before another legal battle is lost!
Nahant residents Karen Callanan, Jimmy Ward, Robert Proulx, KK Sherber and Christian Howard