By K.B. Sherman, Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – Problems arising from the decorative impulses of Shrewsbury residents who interfere with the public right-of-way (ROW) were discussed at the June 12 Board of Selectmen's meeting.
Town Highway Superintendent John Knipe told the selectmen that there are some property owners that have embellished their driveways with cobblestones, bricks, “accents,” and all manner of decorative stonework. A problem can occur because much of this private artistry can fall within the town ROW without the property owner's knowledge. This, in turn, creates problems regarding roadway maintenance and town legal liability. Knipe noted that sometimes such stonework is disrupted or damaged by both town maintenance vehicles and natural events. That damage creates a hazard, a legal liability to the town, and angry property owners who are unaware or uncaring about ROW issues.
Town Engineer Jack Perrault agreed with Knipe's assertion that this is a continuing cause of concern. Selectmen Henry Fitzgerald and John Lebeaux asked Knipe how this situation could be alleviated. One suggestion was to include information on the matter in the regular semi-annual town mailing about Shrewsbury issues, that goes to residents. Maurice DePalo, the board's chair, suggested that this discussion be continued at some future date.
The next matter was generated by a letter from Northborough Town Manager John Coderre regarding state prevailing wage laws. Coderre had suggested that an advisory group be formed regarding dealing with jobs costing under $100,000. (Coderre has stated in the past that the state's prevailing wage laws made completing such work excessively complicated and too expensive.) Lebeaux suggested that the board contact the town's state legislators asking for relief from the prevailing wage laws in the case of certain jobs. Selectman James Kane agreed to write that letter.
In other business, the board approved creating a Targeted Zoning Committee. Such a committee would examine zoning laws to suggest ways to preserve town historic buildings, which are, according to some, threatened with destruction as new building are being built in the town. The discussion mentioned two historic buildings recently demolished that might have been saved by zoning changes to allow more flexibility in lot creation and management. Selectman Moira Miller suggested the possibility of a new bylaw, to be presented at the fall town meeting. Lebeaux noted his concern of keeping unscrupulous developers from taking advantage of such a change. Kane volunteered to draft letters on this topic to other town boards.