Johnson’s Pond in Coventry to officially be condemned

COVENTRY, R.I. (WLNE) — The town of Coventry will officially condemn Johnson’s Pond.

The decision ultimately means that the town council will file a lawsuit requesting ownership of the pond and the property just past it’s dam; this includes portions of Johnson’s Pond, Johnson’s Pond Dam, and the land around it needed to access and maintain the dam, totaling about 147 acres.

This plan, which was unanimously approved, will cost less, according to Town Solicitor Stephen Angell.

The town of Coventry was considering purchasing Johnson’s Pond for eminent domain to maintain the maintenance and redevelopment of the pond, while also protecting the environment and ensure public safety.

During a Coventry Town Council meeting last night, however the town and the original pond’s owner, Soscia Holdings, could not come to an agreement.