The operation of the Johnson’s Pond Dam by its private owner in Coventry, RI, has resulted in the pond’s water levels being lowered, negatively impacting the recreational value for hundreds of homeowners surrounding the pond. In response to homeowner concerns, the Coventry Town Council directed their Town Solicitor to initiate condemnation proceedings through eminent domain to acquire ownership of the pond and dam.
DiPrete Engineering was engaged to assist the Coventry Town Council Solicitor by determining the land area to be taken by eminent domain, which in turn was used to determine the property’s real estate value. Engineers from GZA established the minimum parcel size necessary to repair and operate the dam. DiPrete Engineering’s surveyors collaborated with the solicitor’s office to prepare subdivision plans and metes & bounds descriptions for the new Johnson’s Pond dam parcels.
Additionally, DiPrete Engineering partnered with the town’s consultant appraiser, Thomas S. Andolfo, to create alternative development plans, identifying the highest and best use of the developable property being acquired by the Town adjacent to Johnson Pond. The surveying and conceptual engineering services provided by DiPrete Engineering enabled the Coventry Town Council to proceed with the eminent domain process to address the community’s concerns.
