Taking extra land for highways
Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term
Article ten of part one of the constitution is hereby amended by adding to it the following words: -- The legislature may by special acts for the purpose of laying out, widening or relocating highways or streets, authorize the taking in fee by the commonwealth, or by a county, city or town, of more land and property than are needed for the actual construction of such highway or street:provided, however, that the land and property authorized to be taken are specified in the act and are no more in extent than would be sufficient for suitable building lots on both sides of such highway or street, and after so much of the land or property has been appropriated for such highway or street as is needed therefor, may authorize the sale of the remainder for value with or without suitable restrictions.
Simplified explanation
Adding to article ten of part one, the legislature may by special acts authorize taking more land than needed for highways or streets, limited to land specified in the act and sufficient for building lots on both sides, and may authorize selling the remainder.