Woman plans to sell home due to stress caused by town’s expropriation
A Truro woman is planning to sell her beloved home of 35 years due to stress caused by the town’s expropriation of part of her property. Anne-Marie Westman’s peaceful life in her charming home on Clifton Court has been turned upside down by the town’s plans to take over a strip of land on her property in order to run a storm sewer line to alleviate flooding in the area.
The town first approached Westman in August, offering her a compensation of one dollar to sign an agreement granting them an easement across her land. Feeling pressured and undervalued, Westman declined and has since been embroiled in a battle with the town over the expropriation.
The flooding issues in the area are a real concern, with Westman’s own home and neighboring properties experiencing damage due to heavy rainfall. The town’s project aims to redirect runoff and prevent further flooding by installing an underground pipe along Westman’s property to a stormwater pond across the street. However, Westman is worried that the excavation needed for the project could potentially damage her home’s foundation, as the proposed route is too close to her house.
Westman and her partner, Ian Booth, have proposed an alternative plan that would run the pipe through a different part of their property, further away from any buildings. They believe their plan would better control flooding and protect homes from potential damage. Despite their efforts, the town has decided to proceed with their original route, citing concerns about elevation and water flow.
The couple’s request to present their case to town council was denied, and they were not given the opportunity to voice their concerns before the vote on the expropriation. The vote passed, with only one councillor dissenting. However, they have met with town officials to discuss their objections and are planning to hire an independent civil engineer to evaluate their proposal.
The town has increased its compensation offer to $15,150, but Westman and Booth feel that this amount does not reflect the true value of the property or the impact on the remaining land. Westman, a cancer survivor with a heart condition, is experiencing severe stress due to the dispute and has decided to put her home on the market. She plans to disclose the expropriation issue to potential buyers and prioritize her health and well-being.
If Westman does not appeal the compensation offer, the town can begin work on the property early this summer. Despite the challenges she has faced, Westman remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached that will satisfy both the town’s flood control needs and her desire to protect her home and health.
