Coleman v. Boston Redevelopment Authority

Toward carrying out the “Convention Center Project” (the construction of a Boston convention and exhibit center), St. 1997, c. 152, authorized the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) to acquire by purchase or eminent domain some thirty parcels of land, comprising about sixty acres in South Boston. BRA made successive eminent domain takings; *240for each parcel taken, BRA secured two real estate appraisals, in accord with G. L. c. 79, § 7A. Some owners accepted in full payment the pro tanto payments offered to them. Some negotiated settlements with BRA that exceeded the pro tanto offers. Some…