Snow v. Massachusetts Turnpike Authority

This is a petition under G. L. c. 79 for assessment of damages caused by a taking of land for the Massachusetts turnpike. An auditor’s report, introduced in evidence, stated that “the highest, best . . . use of the premises ... is for the . . . sale of sand and gravel,” and that the petitioners’ total damage, exclusive of interest, was $22,500. At a trial before a jury there was a verdict for the petitioners in the sum of $14,250, exclusive of interest.

At the jury trial, the respondent called as a witness “a duly qualified civil engineer.” He testified that the members of his firm were…