West Roxbury pipeline builder eyes eminent domain power

[unhappycamper]

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2015/07/west_roxbury_pipeline_builder_eyes_eminent_domain_power



BLASTING AREA: Mayor Martin J. Walsh and U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch want federal regulators to reconsider their approval for a natural gas pipeline near this working quarry in West Roxbury. Local residents have raised public safety concerns about the location of the pipeline.

West Roxbury pipeline builder eyes eminent domain power
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Jordan Graham

The company planning to build a controversial natural gas pipeline through West Roxbury is seeking an order from a federal judge that would give it eminent domain power to seize land, a move opponents say is a slap in the face given their ongoing discussions about the project.

“We thought we had some level of cooperation, but apparently with this move they’re not going to cooperate, they’re going to push ahead,” said U.S. Rep Stephen Lynch.

Algonquin Gas Transmission, a Texas company owned by Spectra Energy, plans to build a pipeline through West Roxbury, Dedham and Westwood. Algonquin said in a federal complaint this week that Boston has refused to give the company permanent and temporary rights to areas under city streets that the company is entitled to.

“It is unsurprising, however disappointing that this is how Spectra is trying to literally ram this project down our throats,” said City Councilor Matt O’Malley. “It’s another example of their behavior and the contempt to which they treat the community.”

[merrily]

1. A corporation pushing ahead, despite neighborhood opposition. Nothing new there.

Eminent domain has to be exercised by government. Will Baker help Spectra or not?

Photo looks like something a Star Trek landing party might find on another planet.