Officials crack down on vehicle violations

By Jeffrey D. Wagner
Herald News Staff

Freetown

Earlier this past fall, the town sent out 37 violation notices to people with more than two unregistered motor vehicles in town.
Of those 37, 31 have complied with the Board of Health’s warning letters, but two properties on Braley Road have not responded to officials’ mandates. Court action will likely ensue, according to a Board of Selectmen/Board of Health meeting on the matter Monday. Health Board members touched upon the issue with Health Agent Paul R. Bourgeois and Police Chief Carlton E. Abbott Jr.
The Board of Health voted to discuss the matter with town counsel to detail how it will move forward legally.
“After initially speaking with and sending out warning letters, Paul Bourgeois provided a list of six locations. Of these, one was in the process of applying for a permit, one was found to be in compliance, and four were issued violations,” Abbott said in an e-mail on Tuesday.
“Two properties of the properties in violation, one located at 121 Braley Road and the other at 126 Braley Road, have large numbers of junk vehicles. The BOS (Board of Selectmen) is taking action to have counsel bring a civil action against these major violators. One of which (126 Braley Road), has been the subject of previous court action by the town.”
According to Selectman Lawrence N. Ashley, the property at 121 Braley Road is connected to Ironhorse Collision CTR.
According to Board of Assessors records online, the land at 126 Braley Road is owned by a Benjamin Baptiste Jr.
Nether Baptiste or Ironhorse Collision CTR could be reached for comment.
Selectmen and health board officials mentioned on Monday that the 126 Braley Road property has a history of being an unauthorized junk yard, and Selectwoman Lisa A. Pacheco described it as a “health hazard.”
“Everyone knows about it and talks about it and nobody talks about it favorably,” Selectwoman Jean C. Fox added.
Abbott and Selectman Lawrence N. Ashley agreed that the town should look through court records to determine if the owners of the 126 Braley Road site are in contempt of a past court order.
Bourgeois said that warning letters were sent out in September to land owners who have more than two unregistered vehicles. He said this action is a result of a modification to a bylaw two years ago that calls for restricting the numbers of unregistered vehicles.
“A draft policy was circulated relative to the permitting process for those seeking more than two unregistered cars. Elements include an application, public notice and a hearing,” Abbott said in an e-mail on Tuesday.
According to the Board of Selectmen’s office, it costs $100 per year for a landowner to apply for a Class III motor vehicle dealership license to carry more than two unregistered vehicles.

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