Verrochi v. Commonwealth

In 1981 the Legislature amended G. L. c. 79, § 37, by St. 1981, c. 800, § 3 (1981 amendment), to provide that damages assessed in land taking actions under the eminent domain statute, G. L.c.79, §§1-45, shall bear interest at the rate of 10% a year from the date as of which they are assessed until paid. 2 Prior to the passage of this 1981 amendment, G. L. c. 79, § 37, as amended through St. 1973, c. 983, §§ 2, 3, provided that interest be paid at the rate of 6% a year. 3

The relevant facts of this case are simple and undisputed. By order of taking, dated September 19, 1973, and recorded…