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Deed research shows 1916 one-rod right-of-way on Deer Cove Road; selectmen plan owner meeting
Summary
Selectman Jim presented deed research showing an October 21, 1916 layout that grants the town a one-rod (16.5-foot) right-of-way and a turnaround location on Deer Cove Road; the board agreed to hold a meeting and separate site walk with affected property owners to address encroachments.
Selectman Jim updated the board on deed research for properties fronting Deer Cove Road, reporting that a 1916 town layout establishes a one-rod (16.5-foot) right-of-way and specifically locates a turnaround that the town may lawfully use.
Jim said he compiled historical deeds and maps and will distribute scanned copies to affected property owners so they can consult attorneys or surveyors. He told the board the layout requires a turnaround suitable for automobiles on land once owned by Herbert W. Smith and that, while the building shown on the plan is gone, the recorded right-of-way remains.
The town’s counsel/staff noted there are places where prescriptive rights extend the roadway beyond the recorded limits, but Jim emphasized that within the 16.5-foot record right-of-way the town can require removal of encroachments to avoid future litigation. He recommended the town hold a meeting at town hall to present the research and follow up with a site walk.
The board agreed with that approach: staff will gather contact information, schedule a town-hall meeting where maps will be presented and then conduct an on-site visit at a separate time so property owners can discuss individual impacts. The board framed the meeting as an informational step intended to share the town’s record and avoid misunderstandings.
Next steps assigned included compiling materials for distribution to property owners, coordinating a meeting and arranging a site walk to examine the recorded turnaround area.
