Your Eminence

Recently, Boston city officials announced the taking of two buildings located at 2304-2306 and 2326 Washington St. by process of eminent domain.  The stated reason being to provide more space for the upcoming relocation of the Boston Public School administration to that section of Roxbury.  In 2008, Mayor Menino announced the renovation of the Ferdinand Building for this relocation and the taking of these additional buildings indicates the seriousness of the move and the stake the city is going to be putting into Dudley Square.

In the context of the relocation, these acquisitions make sense, being directly adjacent to the Ferdinand.  No other property in Dudley Square could serve the project more efficiently, or allow for major improvements to the Dudley T Station.

The process of eminent domain begins with the city determining the need for a particular section of land or building(s).  This has already been made official with the 2304-2306 Washington St. and 2326 Washington St. buildings.

The next step involves three branches of possibility:

First, the city assess the value of each property and offers the owners what they consider to be a fair price.  The owners accept the deal, and deliver their deeds amicably.  This is least common branch.

More realistically, the property owners will refuse the City’s offered price, and the parties will go to court for a judge or jury to determine the “fair value.”  It is often in an owner’s financial best interests to take this step.

Lastly, if either or both of the owners simply refuse the sale entirely,  the City files a court action against the withholding party or parties and posts a public hearing in which they must prove that they offered a fair price. This gives the public an opportunity to put their weight for or against the city.  Since Boston Redevelopment Authority officials have stated throughout their intention to restore the buildings, there will likely be little public support for the owners.

It is important to note that at the time of declaring eminent domain, 2326 Washington St. was up for sale.  In this case, the City of Boston can simply be seen as the buyer.  The businesses located here should be relieved, since the City of Boston is bound to help them relocate, cover business costs for the duration of the move, and potentially offer them space once the building has been renovated.  A private buyer would have no such obligation.

Moreover, in a fully revitalized Dudley Square, business will undoubtedly improve.

Gaston Safar of G.S. Realty, the owner of the 2304 Washington Street, as well as other property in and around Boston, is reportedly “boiling mad” about the seizure (Bostonherald.com, Dec. 1, Thomas Grillo), despite advertising for vacancy in the building.

In a speech prepared to the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, Menino said, "We will never know how great Boston can be until Dudley Square is great once again.”   Combined with the redevelopment of Melnea Cass Boulevard, as well as the adjacent Parcel 9 and 10 areas, the renovation of the Ferdinand block holds real promise for all businesses and residents of Roxbury.