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Right of Way Committee hears update on Stone Alley access, staff to pursue easement plan
Summary
Town land use staff reported progress toward a preliminary easement plan for Stone Alley after complaints from a nearby abutter; staff said the town will pursue an easement rather than a formal taking and will return with an updated plan.
The Right of Way Committee heard an update April 15 on Stone Alley and was told staff will pursue an easement plan to safeguard pedestrian access.
Bob Barbossi, the town’s land use specialist, told the committee the file on Stone Alley predates current staff. "I'm working on an update to a very preliminary plan, which I hope to have for this committee in the very near future," Barbossi said. He asked the committee whether its interest was limited to ensuring ongoing access, or whether stormwater, pedestrian safety or other issues should be part of the plan.
The Stone Alley matter began after a nearby abutter, identified in committee discussion as Ginger Andrews, raised concerns that construction at a corner property blocked her path from Union Street. Committee members said recent changes — including replacement of a fence and some landscaping by a new owner at the Orange Street corner — have improved passability, but flagged questions about long‑term maintenance and legal status.
Barbossi described two options that had been considered in earlier work: a town taking of the way or obtaining permanent easements from abutters. He said Department of Public Works previously declined to take the way because of unclear ownership, maintenance needs and limited staffing and funding, and that the file had moved toward an easement approach. "I will get an updated plan focusing on easements," Barbossi told members.
Committee members asked staff to check deeds and confirm whether any part of Stone Alley is in the town’s official public‑ways inventory, and to identify what maintenance would be required if the town held an easement or fee interest. Barbossi said he was working with Tracy (town staff) and with an office that previously generated handwritten notes and preliminary drawings; he asked members to flag any factual errors in his understanding before staff returns with a document for review.
The committee did not take formal action; staff said a return briefing with a clearer easement plan and attachments (deeds/notes) will be scheduled.
Follow‑up: staff will circulate an easement‑focused plan and the committee may request deed research and a maintenance/ liability analysis before considering a formal recommendation to the Select Board.
