A proposal to build two new middle schools in Lynn, Massachusetts, has city officials discussing the possibility of taking two homes by way of eminent domain.
One of the homes on Parkland Avenue in Lynn is owned by Luise Fonseca. The 77-year-old bought the property just a few years ago to be close to her husband who is buried at Pine Grove Cemetery across the street.
"We had a very, very good life," Fonseca said. "We had 45 years together. He was my best friend and I want to be close to him."
Fonseca is in danger of losing her home so the city can build a new middle school in the Lynn Reservoir. The proposal is far from final, but with an influx of students, city officials said they may have no choice.
"Unfortunately, there is not a lot of land that is available," Assistant City Solicitor James Lamanna said. "But this is not a situation where a bulldozer comes and knocks down a building tomorrow. There's plenty of notice."
For now, it is a waiting game for Fonseca who thought her fate would be decided by city officials this past week. They have tabled the issue until Tuesday to see if the project planners can build the school without taking her home.
They also say the city may not have the funds to purchase the properties by way of eminent domain. The plan to build two new middle schools will ultimately be up to the voters in Lynn next year.
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"I will fight as long as I'm alive, as long as this body lets me," Fonseca said. "I will fight for my home."
