Kingston Grapples with Private Road Plowing Policy

Residents Voice Concerns Over Potential Loss of Winter Maintenance

KINGSTON, MA - September 24 - The Kingston Board of Selectmen faced pushback from residents September 24 over a new policy that could end winter maintenance on some private roads. The board is now considering delaying implementation and holding a public hearing to address concerns.

The policy, approved in August 2023 but not widely communicated until recently, would cease plowing on private roads that don't meet certain width and safety standards. It was set to take effect in April 2024.

Dozens of residents attended the meeting to voice opposition, citing concerns about emergency vehicle access and the financial burden of road improvements.

"I just cannot believe that I'm even here because I was never even notified," said Vic Hult of Stagecoach Drive.

Paul Brokmeier of Stagecoach Drive said he received estimates as high as $28,500 to bring his street up to the required standards. "Now, I do see something in the letter that people sent out, the itemized piece, that the DPW may be approached about assisting with some of this," he said.

Highway Superintendent Paul Basler explained the policy aims to protect plow trucks and drivers. "We are trying to save the private plows, trucks from damage, and the town, as most of you know, a town meeting last year, the town gave $1.25 million for me to get four new plow trucks," Basler said.

He added that the town is struggling to find enough plow drivers. "We were down about 15, 20 plow trucks last year, and that was down 15, 20 trucks the year before," Basler said.

Board member Kim Emberg acknowledged the communication breakdown. "The intent was never to be last minute," she said. "We voted it August of 2023. My understanding was that notifications would go out then. They didn't, so I am apologizing to everyone for that."

The board discussed several options, including delaying the policy for a year or modifying requirements. They ultimately decided to hold a public hearing in two weeks to gather more information and resident input.

"We need answers on our financials," said board member Don Alcombright. "This is a town. We can't make decisions off of straight emotions, and I know you guys are not happy, and that's very understandable."

The issue affects about 35 miles of unaccepted roads in Kingston, compared to nearly 80 miles of accepted roads maintained by the town.

Some residents questioned why they should lose services despite paying taxes. Violet Berry of Meadowbrook Road, recounted moving to town in 1960 after receiving assurances from Selectmen that her road would be plowed.

"Now, when I was growing up, my father was, had his own business. He was a master plasterer and in those days, you either plastered your house, there was no plasterboard or whatever and he always, that's how I learned it. He never in his life signed a paper or had anybody sign the paper," Berry said. "He would quote a price, they'd shake on it and that was the legal document."

The board emphasized their goal is to find a solution that addresses safety concerns while being fair to all residents.

"We're not trying to take that away from you," said board chair Eric Crone. "We just need to make the right decision that's best for the entire town. And that's what we're trying to do. And not harm anybody."

The public hearing on the plowing policy is scheduled for two weeks from the meeting, October 8 at 6 p.m. in the Kingston Town Hall.