Borden St. in Providence to Thurber
Blvd. in Smithfield.
The majority of property owners are satisfied, but a few are contesting their
appraisals after being moved to make way for the relocation of Route 195.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is currently involved in disputes
with nine companies/individuals regarding property appraisals tied to the Route
195 relocation project.
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Since beginning the project’s real estate proceedings more than three years ago, the state has paid $33.5 million for land, building and easement acquisitions. Additionally, $7.5 million was spent on relocation assistance. Federal money covered 90 percent of the payout costs. The property acquisition is the department’s largest within the last 20 years.
Approximately $10 million worth of appraisals is in dispute.
Perhaps the most unique case is Thurston Manufacturing, the biggest company to be relocated in the project area. It is the only company that is challenging the state’s reimbursements for both its appraisal and relocation costs.
According to documents filed in Superior Court, Thurston has received $1.68 million from the state for its property. A blue and white Thurston Manufacturing sign is still visible to motorists heading south on Interstate 95, just before the Eddy Street/Rhode Island Hospital offramp.
“The petitioner (Thurston) is not satisfied with the amount received in that it does not reasonably and fairly compensate it for the damages it has sustained resulting from the taking of property by the state,” reads the initial filing from February 2001.
According to Charles Wick, the attorney handling the matter on behalf of DOT, businesses have the right to challenge state appraisals.
On Nov. 17, he said, either the case will be tried or the judge will make a ruling. In the meantime, he added, a settlement could be reached. Wick did not get into case particulars because the matter is still pending. Thurston attorney, Marc DeSisto, declined comment for this story.
In addition to the appraisal suit, Thurston is challenging the relocation reimbursements received under a federal relocation pilot program. The company received payments totaling about $1.4 million and contested that amount before a DOT hearing officer. The matter is now before the DOT director for a final decision. If Thurston is still not satisfied, the company could challenge the director’s decision in federal district court.
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