New Cape Cod Canal bridges

[Rothman]

Wait...pay more than fair market value?  There's good reason why that term has words that actually have meaning.

Not sure what your point is. They should pay fair market value because it's fair market value? That may be the minimum the Constitution requires, but I'm saying it would be a good idea to pay more than fair market value to make up for what isn't covered by fair market value. Like the fact that they don't actually want to sell, that there is an intangible value (e.g., memories) only to the people who live there, that finding a new place to live is very disruptive, and not something that people choose to do unless they want a change very much. And, as I said, that would reduce the resistance from the people directly affected, who are the only people who have standing to sue.

Still, paying more than fair market value is 1) Very easily painted as a waste of taxpayer money and unfair to the general public and 2) outright illegal for a DOT to pursue, at least in NY.

It would be considered a waste of taxpayer money by some people, and justice by others. The articles all seem to presume that the latter would be the dominant feeling of the general population. And obviously it would be a matter for legislation, not just something a DOT could do off the cuff.

The couple of articles about the State "siezing" property are trying to get people riled up without explaining that compensation for moving expenses is included in eminent domain fair market value determinations.

Again, paying more than fair market value for "intangibles" leaves the State open to criticism that it is paying too much for property and is wasting taxpayer money.  And, if the property owners want to argue the State's appraisals, they can certainly do so, which, again in NY, has been a straightforward process that the DOT can't steamroll over.  Just adds time to the ROW acquisition process.

Just seems like people jump to the conclusion that the process is unfair without knowing the process due to media articles designed to trigger readers rather than actually inform the public.

[DJStephens]

Yes, the takings have begun.

https://www.bostonherald.com/2026/01/09/massachusetts-begins-seizing-homes-today-for-cape-cod-bridge-replacement/

Given the exorbitant cost of real estate in Massachusetts, the state should pay more for the real estate being taken.

Have to wonder - were these people, who built a house apparently in direct line of one of the approaches - are or were they even aware of the need, and the impending timeline of this?  Meaning a replacement bridge.  Seems hard to believe that they were that ignorant, or is something else at play here, like media sensationalism?    Given it's in the Herald, perhaps so.   

[Rothman]

Yes, the takings have begun.

https://www.bostonherald.com/2026/01/09/massachusetts-begins-seizing-homes-today-for-cape-cod-bridge-replacement/

Given the exorbitant cost of real estate in Massachusetts, the state should pay more for the real estate being taken.

Have to wonder - were these people, who built a house apparently in direct line of one of the approaches - are or were they even aware of the need, and the impending timeline of this?  Meaning a replacement bridge.  Seems hard to believe that they were that ignorant, or is something else at play here, like media sensationalism?    Given it's in the Herald, perhaps so.   

I'd imagine most people just think, "The bridge is over there, so why can't it be kept over there without bothering any additional properties?"

[RobbieL2415]

Yes, the takings have begun.

https://www.bostonherald.com/2026/01/09/massachusetts-begins-seizing-homes-today-for-cape-cod-bridge-replacement/

Given the exorbitant cost of real estate in Massachusetts, the state should pay more for the real estate being taken.

Have to wonder - were these people, who built a house apparently in direct line of one of the approaches - are or were they even aware of the need, and the impending timeline of this?  Meaning a replacement bridge.  Seems hard to believe that they were that ignorant, or is something else at play here, like media sensationalism?    Given it's in the Herald, perhaps so.   

I'm sure they were aware. I think what's being reported on is just their feelings of sadness that they're losing their homes.

[Plutonic Panda]

Update:

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/cape-cod-bridge-replacement-sagamore-foundation-testing/