Massachusetts moves to seize newly built Cape Cod home for bridge project

A couple who just moved into a custom home on Cape Cod were told a month later that the state would take their property for a new Sagamore Bridge, despite having paid millions for other homes.

After completing a custom-built house in March 2025, Marc and Joan Hendel were served with an eminent-domain notice in April, informing them that Massachusetts would acquire their property for the Sagamore Bridge replacement. Their home is one of 13 in the Round Hill neighborhood of Bourne slated for seizure, and state filings show that 11 of those properties have already been taken, with at least $4.8 million paid for six homes—more than the combined assessed value of $3.5 million.

Officials argue that replacing the nearly 90-year-old Sagamore and Bourne bridges, which carry more than 38 million vehicle trips each year, is essential for regional mobility. MassDOT’s Mega Projects Delivery Office acknowledges the personal impact on owners and says the state will provide compensation and relocation assistance, though the Hendels stress that financial payments cannot fully offset the loss of a retirement home.

Finding a comparable house on Cape Cod is difficult, as the market is tight and new construction is scarce, raising concerns about higher future property taxes for the displaced family. In addition to the residential takings, the state plans to acquire three commercial parcels to advance the bridge project.