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Which Way residents tell council they are being intimidated amid ongoing court dispute
Summary
Residents of Which Way urged the Hopkinton Town Council to avoid becoming involved in a private property dispute currently pending in Washington County District Court. Speakers said they have followed a court consent order from Feb. 2008 and described intimidation, security cameras and confusing signs installed on the roadway.
Hopkinton — Several residents of Which Way used the public-comment period to urge the Hopkinton Town Council not to intervene in a private, ongoing legal dispute over road access and property rights and to recognize stress the condition has caused local families.
Philip Gingerella (resident of 20 Burlingame Drive, speaking on behalf of family members on Which Way) said the matter is "an active legal case currently being heard in Washington County District Court" and that a consent order signed in February 2008 governs maintenance of the road. "The residents of Which Way are not sure why this resident is repeatedly appearing here in front of this council, as this current matter has nothing to do with the town of Hopkinton," Philip said.
Philip and other speakers said Which Way residents have maintained the road for decades, that they follow the 02/2008 consent order and that the presence of security cameras, handwritten warnings on trees, a collapsed fence and unofficial signs has created an intimidating atmosphere for residents and visitors. "This anxiety is intensified by the presence of numerous security cameras ... and other unsightly objects... all placed on the road with no other intention than to create confusion and intimidation," he said.
Doug York (resident whose property was discussed during comments) responded in part by saying he seeks an "amicable solution" and expressed safety concerns about rocks placed in the roadway that he said create a hazard for motorcycle riders. Michael Gingerella (39 Which Way) told the council the parties need to adhere to the court consent order to resolve the dispute.
Gary Williams (60 Which Way) said the rocks belong to him and asked that they be returned if they are removed. The speakers thanked the council for the opportunity to comment and said they hope the courts will resolve the dispute.
No council action was taken during the meeting on the private legal matter; town counsel had previously characterized the topic as a civil matter that should be addressed in court, and multiple speakers repeated that the dispute is subject to active litigation.
