Reitsma v. Pascoag Reservoir & Dam, LLC

774 A.2d 826 (2001)

Jan REITSMA et al.

v.

PASCOAG RESERVOIR & DAM, LLC.

No. 2000-306-Appeal.

Supreme Court of Rhode Island.

June 20, 2001.

Present WILLIAMS, C.J., LEDERBERG, BOURCIER, FLANDERS, and GOLDBERG, JJ.

Michael L. Rubin, Alan Shoer, Providence, Joseph S. Larisa, Jr., for Plaintiff.

Barry J. Kusinitz, John B. Webster, Warwick, for Defendant.

OPINION

FLANDERS, Justice.

Can the state government involuntarily divest owners of private property other than by eminent domain or by condemnation? Yes, we hold, because, like private parties, the government itself can acquire an easement by prescription or…