What is the difference between a public and private road?
A public road or town owned is a road that has been accepted by Town Meeting after going through the acceptance process established by state statute. The Town maintains town owned roads.
A private road is a road that has not been accepted by Town Meeting and is owned by the residents, a homeowner’s association or the original developer. Residents on a private road or the homeowner’s association are responsible for maintaining their road.
How can I have my road accepted as a town owned road?
The process for acceptance of a private road as a town owned road involves multiple steps and takes several years as two affirmative Town Meeting votes are needed. In addition, a betterment will be assessed to all property owners on a road if it is approved for acceptance, this betterment being the cost to bring the road up to Town standards, divided equally among the property owners.
The first step requires the submission of a petition signed by 50% of the property owners on a road requesting that the Town accept the road as a public way. This petition is brought to a Town Meeting at which engineering funds are requested for the preparation of acceptance plans. If approved, the plans are prepared. At the same time, the cost estimate described above is developed. Property owners are then notified of their share in the cost of the necessary road improvements; the cost is usually assessed through a 20-year betterment. The Board of Selectmen holds a public hearing after which 50% of the property owners must reaffirm their commitment to having the road accepted. The final step, if reached, is the approval at Town Meeting to accept the road as a public way and to appropriate the funds needed for the required
road improvements (to be reimbursed through the betterments).
Who fixes potholes on a road or makes other necessary repairs on a road?
If the road is a town owned road, the Department of Public Works will fix a pothole and repair the road as necessary (the DPW will make every effort to fix a pothole within 24 hours of receiving a report). If the road is a private road, the residents are responsible for all repairs, including potholes and cleaning of catch basins. You may call the DPW at 508-539-1420 to determine if your road is town owned or private.
Residents on a private road may also petition to the Town to make emergency repairs on a road. The Board of Selectmen will consider such petitions at a public meeting and may vote to allow the expenditure of Town funds if a road’s condition threatens the safety or welfare of residents.
Who do I contact about connecting to Town water or if I have other questions about Town water?
All questions about Town water, including inquiries about connection permits, should be made to the Mashpee Water District, an independent municipal entity. The Water District is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the entire water system. The Water District is located at 79 Industrial Drive or may be reached at 508-477-6767.
How can I have a street name sign installed on my road?
If your road is a town owned road, you may contact the DPW to request a sign. If you live on a private road, you may order a sign through one of the vendors that we use. The DPW will install the sign once it is delivered.
How can I have a traffic control or advisory sign installed on my road?
All requests for signs must be made to the Director of Public Works for approval. Regulatory signs such as speed limit signs and stop signs can only be installed if specific conditions are met. Other regulatory signs such as "no parking" signs require a public hearing. Advisory signs such as "hidden driveway" and "slow children" are only installed if conditions warrant their installation for safety or other reasons.
Does the Town plow and sand my road?
The DPW plows all roads in Mashpee, including private roads, provided the road is in good repair. The DPW will not plow roads in such disrepair that they may damage equipment.
If a private road is not in good repair it will be placed on the "Do Not Plow List" in accordance with Town Policy no. 014 adopted by the Board of Selectmen in 1999. Each year the Department of Public Works performs inspections of private roads to ensure they are in good repair. Residents will be notified by door hangers as well as local newspaper publications and local cable station advertisement of this list. Residents will be notified in advance of the winter season allowing for ample time to make the necessary repairs. Once these repairs are made residents may contact the Department of Public Works at 508-539-1420. Once notified the Department of Public Works will re-inspect the road and remove it from the "Do Not Plow List."
The DPW sands all Town owned roads. During years of extreme cold and ice the DPW will sand private roads on request. In addition, the DPW does not plow or sand driveways including the access drives within a condominium or other multi-family development.
Who do I call if a street light is out?
The street lights are owned and maintained by NSTAR, therefore, you should call them directly. Their number is 1-800-592-2000. Ask for the Trouble Department.
How can I have a street light installed on my road?
A request for installation of a street light may be made to the Department of Public Works who will refer the request to the Street Light Committee. The Committee will determine if the light requested is necessary for safety reasons. If so, the Town will pay for the installation of the light. The DPW can be reached at 508-539-1420.
If the Committee determines that the light is not necessary for safety reasons, a resident may contact NSTAR directly to request installation, however, you will be responsible for the cost. NSTAR may be reached at 781-441-3283
Who do I call if a street light is not working?
If a street light is located on a Town owned road residents should call the Department of Public Works. The Department of Public Works will relay the information to Republic Electric. Republic Electric is contracted by the Town to maintain all lights on Town owned roads.
If a street light is located on a private road residents should call NSTAR at 781-441-3283.
For more information contact the Department of Public Works at 508-539-1420
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