Road Acceptance Policy Press Release
Issued by the Hanson Board of Selectmen - 17 May 2000
The Hanson Board of Selectmen, in an effort to inform and educate the public, provides this “Road Map” on how to have your road accepted as a public way.
Who Initiates? Either the Board of Selectmen or citizens, by petition, may choose to present this to Town Meeting.
Do We Need a Plan? The Town Meeting needs to have a plan of the proposed layout of the road and may need easements for purposes of road widening or utilities. The plan should be prepared by the proponents.
Who Reviews the Plan? The Board of Selectmen must refer the plan and the layout to the Planning Board for an advisory report, as the Town of Hanson does not have an Official Town Map. The Planning Board has up to 45 days to issue their advisory report.
What do the Selectmen Do and When Do They Do It? The Board of Selectmen “Lay Out” the road by doing the following:
1. Gives Written Notice to abutting landowners at least 7 days prior to a meeting of the Board of Selectmen at which they intend to vote to lay out the road – including a description of the proposed layout and easements, and the date, time and place of the meeting;
2. Holds the meeting and vote to layout, alter or relocate the proposed road; and
3. Files the vote with the Town Clerk at least 7 days before the Town meeting.
What Does Town Meeting Do? Town Meeting may vote to “Accept” the layout, alteration or relocation of the proposed road after the vote of the Selectmen, but only after at least 7 days from the date of the vote.
Then What? The Board of Selectmen files the vote of the Town Meeting with the Town Clerk, and files the plan and easements, if necessary, at the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds within 120 days of the Town Meeting.
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