Lynn School Committee discusses taking widow's home by eminent domain

LYNN, Mass. — A 77-year-old Lynn woman is telling members of the school committee to keep their hands off her home.

Luise Fonseca’s house is one of two that the city wants to take by eminent domain so they can build a school, but she has a special reason for not wanting to leave.

Twelve years ago, her husband died and was buried at the Pine Grove Cemetery. Wanting to be near him, and to be able to visit when she can no longer driver, Luise bought the home next to the cemetery in 2011.

“We had a wonderful life great life he was a hard worker,” she said. “I had been with him for 45 years.”

The city has told her they would help her move, but haven't told her how much they would pay for the house or what the property is worth.

At a meeting Thursday night, a city official explained what would happen if the city takes Luise's home.

“I believe there's a misconception out there that a bulldozer is going to show up knock on the door and say you have three hours to get out.  That is absolutely not the case,” Assistant City Solicitor Jim Lamana said.

The school committee postponed a vote on the eminent domain process so they could hold a special meeting on it next week.

Luise is not holding out hope.

“Temporary reprieve is nothing for me.  I have to go to sleep at night.  The more they postpone the worst it gets,” she said.

Cox Media Group