Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 79, § 2

Where no other provision is made by law, a taking of land by eminent domain by or on behalf of the commonwealth shall be made by the governor and council, a taking by or on behalf of a county by the county commissioners of such county, a taking by or on behalf of a city by the aldermen, a taking by or on behalf of a town by the selectmen, a taking by or on behalf of a district by its prudential committee and a taking by or on behalf of a private corporation by its board of directors.