Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 82, § 31

If an application is made to the county commissioners under sections twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty-nine or thirty, they may cause a recognizance to be given to the county such as is required in applications for highways; and like proceedings may be had on such recognizance. They shall also cause notice to be given, before they proceed to view or to hear the parties, as in the case of highways.