Nuisance complaints regarding Main Street property

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

EAST BROOKFIELD – Board of health members Susan Gordon and Ruth McNeaney met with selectmen Monday to inform them that the health board has received complaints concerning the existence of piles of household furnishing and other items at a property on Main Street.

“We have no authority in this matter, it’s not a health issue,” Gordon said. “Perhaps the people who live there do not realize that others regard the growing piles of items around their property as junk, or a nuisance. According to what we’ve been informed, two trailer loads arrived within a few days. The problem has been ongoing for months, and appears to be escalating.” They did not know the street number, or the name of the owner, they said. “We’re just here to let the selectmen know about the complaints.”

The selectmen say they do not believe the town bylaws currently in effect cover such a problem, but are looking into it. In the meantime, building inspector John Couture said he would stop by the property, a small house and lot west of the Trolley Stop Restaurant. “There are laws regarding boundaries, and the number of feet from a state highway the items are placed. I’ll check, he said.”

Couture had met with the selectmen to introduce a potential alternate building inspector to the board. He explained that Jeff Taylor, who has served as alternate in the past, has resigned. He introduced as his recommended replacement Nelson Burlingame, of Charlton. According to Burlingame, he as worked in the building trades for a number of years, has taken courses recently and passed exams, and is certified. The selectmen voted to appoint Burlingame.

The board announced that the new police cruiser will be placed in service after July 1, and animal control officer Sheryl Blancato will be given the 2002 vehicle currently used as the extra cruiser.

Finally, the board signed an application for a $500,000 Small Town Rural Assistance Program (STRAP) grant, for the repair or replacement of the dam at Lake Lashaway.