LETTER: Residents of Private Roads Should Not be Left Out in the Cold by Snow Plows

Editor

I don’t know why at this particular time of a major storm plowing private ways became an issue. Everyone should have accessibility to their home and street. I understand the superintendent’s position if a private way is in such bad condition that it would be dangerous for plowing. A list of those private ways which are deemed unsafe should be provided so that residents on those streets effected are given notice and some solution can be made. Nothing is absolute! It is an identifiable neighborhood need to have your street plowed.

Watertown Firefighters respond to every call whether the emergency is on a private or public way. A very dangerous situation could arise if there is a fire or medical emergency on a street that is not plowed and not accessible for Fire apparatus.

Many years ago when Watertown established streets the homeowners on that street were responsible to pay betterments. When there were homeowners who refused to pay for betterments for their street it was designated as a "Private Way” – not qualified for plowing, etc. No one living today is responsible for that decision regarding betterments. There is no financial benefit to live on a private way. Whether homeowners live on a private or public way they pay the same established rate of real estate taxes. As Joe Kennedy in his oil commercial says:” no one should be left out in the cold’ – just as importantly - “no one should be left out in the snow."

Marilyn Petitto Devaney

Governor's Councilor and Former-Watertown Town Councilor