The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) plans to build four 74-foot towers along its commuter rail line going through Concord, according to The Concord Journal. Residents have expressed concern for their effect on local property values and the method used to procure the sites.

One resident told the Journal “some could encroach on private property, with no plan to take the property by eminent domain.” Eminent domain gives a government, or its agent, the right to take private property for public use, with payment or compensation.

The four towers in Concord would be located at 120-198 Junction Square Drive, 101 Nashoba Road, 85 Arena Terrace and 220 Hubbard Street.

The towers’ impact on historical properties in Concord could also be working in their favor. Lara Kritzer, a senior planner in the Concord Planning Department, told the Journal she expected to send a letter to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, asking it to review the project for any possible impact on historical properties in Concord.

The Transit Authority countered: “Monopoles will be located within the MBTA right of way and do not infringe on historical properties,” they said in a statement read at the zoning hearing. The purpose of the towers according to the MBTA was to “provide live television and broadband internet access to rail passengers.”

Concord Planning Director Marcia Rasmussen said there isn’t much the town can do to stop the MBTA from building the poles, according to the Concord Journal. “The MBTA doesn’t have to comply with (Concord) zoning regulations, and no special permit is required,” Rasmussen said.

The MBTA has partnered with inMotion to build the towers with “minimal impact on land space” and will be spaced over one mile apart on average.

Published November 3, 2016