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impacted property. However, using this data provides for a consistent valuation
across all properties being considered. Therefore, it offers a reasonable surrogate to a
more detailed property-appraisal process that would be conducted in a future project
phase.
The potential property acquisitions were divided into two primary categories: partial
and full. The land values for partial takings were based on an average value per acre
of land for all properties expected to be impacted by the option being evaluated. For
full takings, which involve the complete acquisition of land and/or buildings, the
total assessed property value contained in the assessment database was used to
estimate the impact. The assessment ratio of properties in Topsham reportedly was
close to 100 percent at the time of this analysis; therefore, the estimated cost impacts
of Topsham properties may reflect more closely potential purchase prices. However,
according to the Town of Brunswick assessor, the assessment ratio of real property
was estimated at only 60 percent of market value, which means that potential
acquisition costs for project options in Brunswick could be significantly higher than
the estimates provided.
5.1.5 Environmental Evaluation – Resources and Methods
Understanding the potential impacts on environmental and social resources is
another important element of the Feasibility Study. To review these issues, an
impact analysis of each option was conducted.
As described in Chapter 2, available GIS data for the Study Area were obtained
from various state agencies, MaineGIS, and the local level. In addition, existing
environmental information was verified and updated in the field based on a
reconnaissance-level effort. Information pertaining to ROW and property in the
Study Area was obtained by 2008 and 2009 GIS parcel mapping, including
assessment records, provided by the Towns of Brunswick and Topsham,
respectively.
Potential impacts then were calculated using a GIS overlay analysis, in which the
footprint of each roadway option was overlaid onto the various environmental
resources. Table 5.1-2 summarizes the metrics used to evaluate these resources.
Impacts presented in this Feasibility Study must be interpreted cautiously. First,
only direct impacts were considered. However, certain resources (i.e., historic
buildings and historic districts) can be affected indirectly. Second, all identified
impacts are preliminary estimates because they are based on preliminary rough
grading without site-specific survey contours or detailed engineering. Third,
resource mapping relies primarily on landscape-level environmental data rather
than detailed site-specific studies that would be required during a formal NEPA
or permit evaluation. The impacts, however, are still useful and appropriate for
comparing the relative impacts of options within a strategy.
Conclusions 142