CONCORD — Existing utility rights-of-way reduce property values and the Northern Pass project would amplify the decrease, the Site Evaluation Committee was told Tuesday.
Appraiser and assessor George Sansoucy of Lancaster has often battled Eversource over valuations of utility property and he maintains the existing transmission line through Hopkinton and Dunbarton has lowered assessments for property owners.
In pre-filed testimony Sansoucy said the impact on Dunbarton property value could be as high as $1.6 million, but is probably lower because not all tax cards have the easement reduction listed.
Northern Pass’s real estate expert said the decrease in value was only $280,000.
Attorney Jeremy Walker, representing Northern Pass, said its expert reviewed the 64 Dunbarton properties with easements and 27 of the tax cards do not mention an easement reduction.
He said the total reduction in value is $280,000, but Sansoucy said the easement is included in other discounts listed on the tax cards.
“The easement goes through the land so the property owner is impaired,” he said. “It is impacted.”
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