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Northfield selectboard considers ordinance language, manager directed to send notice to owners who block rights-of-way
Summary
Selectboard members debated amending the town traffic ordinance after residents and the chair raised safety and snow‑removal concerns about vehicles and materials parked in rights‑of‑way; the board endorsed a manager‑led notice to property owners and directed a review of ordinance language rather than immediate code changes.
Northfield Selectboard members discussed steps to address vehicles and materials placed in town rights‑of‑way at their Jan. 13 meeting, with the chair saying the practice is creating safety and snow‑removal hazards.
“You have a problem with people putting stuff in our right of way which prevents the easy flow of traffic,” the chair said, noting a local resident reported being rear‑ended at the site and that the town’s packet included Vermont guidance on enforcement.
The board debated options ranging from a neighborly warning letter to property owners to more forceful steps. The chair said, “I have created a suggestion that we send a letter to the property owner … let them know that this is unacceptable and … enforcement actions are gonna be pursued in accordance with” state guidance. A member volunteered to draft a courtesy notice and said the manager could issue it without returning to the board.
Several members noted the town already has provisions that could apply — including a seasonal prohibition on overnight parking and a prohibition on obstructing movement — and urged a careful review rather than a rushed “patch.” One member said enforcement likely requires law enforcement involvement and suggested contracting the sheriff to carry out removals; another counseled starting with a softer approach.
The board directed the manager to prepare and send a warning letter to the property owners involved and to return with a more specific ordinance recommendation at the next meeting if the problem persists. The chair confirmed the manager may arrange for law enforcement enforcement if needed.
Next steps: the manager will prepare the courtesy notice, the board will review proposed ordinance revisions so any formal amendment follows required readings and postings, and the selectboard will monitor whether the notice resolves the obstruction issue.
