Council considers Leachesta Drive overlay to formalize easements, limit parking and address junk vehicles

The council examined a proposed overlay district that would formalize easement language and restrict certain uses on a narrow strip of town property along Leachesta Drive.

Tony, the staff member who drafted the overlay language, explained the intent: the easement would permit residents to traverse the strip but would allow the town to limit paved areas and the uses permitted within the easement to reduce liability and preserve town property. "The easement... would allow them to do so, but also limit the town's liability on that as well as restricting the use of that property," Tony said.

Councilors focused on enforcement details. The planning board recommended shortening a provision that currently allows unregistered or inoperable vehicles to remain "in excess of three months" to 30 days; some councilors urged eliminating any permitted storage period. Members also raised a scenario involving one house whose entire driveway lies in the easement; staff said that homeowner appears to have an easement by necessity and would require a carve‑out.

Other issues included whether the town could later reacquire or repurpose the strip and whether driveway paving could be limited after the easement is executed. Staff advised that easements by necessity and existing conditions would require specific exemptions during execution and that the town could set limits on paved area and uses within the easement.

Vote and follow up: The council did not finalize the overlay language at the meeting. Staff said they will work with affected residents, refine the wording (including the junk‑vehicle time limit and signage), and return a redrafted proposal to the council for further consideration.