Right-of-Way Management

Client: Boston Water & Sewer Commission

As the Boston Water & Sewer Commission’s (BWSC) real estate consultant, TRA was instrumental in advancing the sales opportunities with the Stonybrook Conduit, a 30-foot wide right-of-way running through most neighborhoods in Boston. TRA’s responsibilities included serving as owner’s representation/liaison and overall project management.

As a means of mitigating the expanding BWSC maintenance budget and legitimizing significant encroachment issues, TRA contacted abutters along the right-of-way and encouraged them to purchase the portions of the right-of-way at a set price while maintaining a permanent easement for the conduit pipe, which remains within the right-of-way.

This project defines maintenance responsibilities and land uses that have been confusing to abutting property owners for years. In addition to reducing long-term maintenance costs, BWSC generates income from the sales. The properties are placed on the tax roles, benefiting the City of Boston. This is a strong model for other utilities, which, if planned properly, can generate neighborhood support as well as additional revenue and reduced long-term expenses. These sales also solve long-term encroachment issues that typically exist along old utility right-of-ways.