Thank you for reporting your concern to the City of Gloucester. We have reviewed the information you provided our staff and will be investigating this issue further. Gloucester, MA staff will provide regular updates here as we work towards resolving this issue. You will be notified via email about our progress. Thank you again for helping us be aware of how we can help improve our community!

Please be advised that this is a private road. The condition of the road is beyond minor repair allowed by the Gloucester Code of Ordinances and Mass General Law. The City offers a paving program for private ways where the abutters petition the City to manage a resurfacing project at the cost of the abutters. Your Ward Councilor can guide you through the steps. Val Gilman is your Councilor and can be reached at 978-621-4682

This is not a private road. It was surveyed and developed as a public road and in 1957; published plans in 1959. In addition, this street has become a severe hazard to all residents. It is extremely dangerous. Emergency Vehicles will be delayed into responding to residents. Those delays can result in the loss of one of our citizens. The city should be more concerned about safety and protecting its citizens than spending money on a road that someone 'decided' to mark it as private in the late 90's or early 2000's. I believe it is time to notify the Fire Marshall of this extreme hazard to our tax-paying citizens.

A road can only be developed as a public road, by the City. All other road developments are private until accepted, as public, by the City Council. Riverview has been and remains a private way. Under state statute and local ordinance, private ways are maintained by the abutters who have rights in the way.

I’d be more than happy to review your deed and the standing of the road. Please call at your convenience - 978.281.9785.

Rose, et al.

When was the road classification changed from public to private? The city has been repairing this road for years. When was the change made?

Regards,
A faithful taxpayer

The classification has not changed. The road is past a point of temporary repairs, which is the only allowable action the City can take on private ways.

If you would like to meet to review your deed and the city ordinance, please let me know.

Hi Michael,
Thanks for the very prompt response. Let’s definitely chat as more than one local deed in the registry show this as a public road. Confusing. Any chance this is being confused with Riverview Way?
Will call tomorrow.

Many thanks

I have not seen a deed that refers to the way as public nor are there any records of City Council vote to accept. Call the office tomorrow to discuss.

978-281-9785

And plowing for years.

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter40/Section6D

Section 6C: Removal of ice and snow from private ways; conditions

Section 6C. A city or town which accepts this section in the manner provided in section six D may appropriate money for the removal of snow and ice from such private ways within its limits and open to the public use as may be designated by the city council or selectmen; provided, that, for the purposes of section twenty-five of chapter eighty-four, the removal of snow or ice from such a way shall not constitute a repair of a way.

Please be advised that this is a private road. If the condition of the road is as bad as reported, it is likely beyond minor repair allowed by the Gloucester Code of Ordinances and Mass General Law. The City offers a paving program for private ways where the abutters petition the City to manage a resurfacing project at the cost of the abutters. Your Ward Councilor can guide you through the steps.