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Residents press Selectmen on Buzzell Road status, historical acceptance and process to seek town maintenance
Summary
During public comment residents described an 1893 town acceptance of a portion of Buzzell Road, raised concerns about dust and ATV use on privately maintained stretches, and sought guidance on steps to petition the town for acceptance.
Several residents used the Nov. 10 public-comment period to press the Selectmen about the status of Buzzell Road and how to pursue town acceptance of additional stretches.
Josephine Boutlier cited an 1893 town acceptance that she said clearly accepted a portion of Buzzell Road from a defined start to an end point (identified in 1893 by homeowners’ names) and requested access to records so she can trace modern endpoints. Town staff offered access to the municipal file and advised residents to review town warrants and, if pursuing acceptance, to work with the Road Commissioner and ensure right-of-way and setback surveys are in place and the road is brought up to town standards.
Randal Esten reported he measured pavement gaps and described dust and high-speed traffic (30–35 mph) affecting nearby properties; the board reiterated that private roads are sometimes improved by Road Associations or private owners and that the Town cannot spend public funds to improve private roads absent acceptance. Selectman David Winchell Jr. summarized that the accepted portion dates to 1893 and that extending town maintenance requires bringing the road up to standard and a warrant vote.
