A point of discussion was Docket OH 763, an order to discuss the preparation and maintenance of private ways. This topic was co-sponsored by Councillors Sharon Durkan, Enrique J. Pepén, and another colleague. Councillor Pepén highlighted the frustration of residents on Maple Leaf Drive in Hyde Park, who faced municipal service issues and questioned why they paid taxes without receiving benefits like snow removal or emergency access. She emphasized the need to explore the responsibilities of residents living on private ways and the potential solutions to their concerns.

Councillor Edward M. Flynn also raised issues specific to private sewers and the coordination of repair responsibilities, particularly in the South End. He stressed the financial implications for residents and the need for clarity and support from the city.

The meeting included input from multiple panelists, such as Todd Liming, Chief Engineer for the Public Improvement Commission, and Joshua Franklin Hodge from the Public Works Department. They discussed the stewardship of Boston’s private ways, noting that there are approximately 1,400 to 2,000 such ways in the city. Durkan underscored the public safety and utility maintenance issues created by their disrepair and stressed the need for collaboration between the council and the administration to find solutions.

Councillor Benjamin J. Weber shared his personal experiences living on a private way in Jamaica Plain, detailing challenges like snow removal. His firsthand perspective highlighted the practical difficulties faced by residents. Meanwhile, Councillor Pepén inquired about the Betterment Project, initiated to convert private ways to public status, which faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city has resumed engagement with these projects, prioritizing Maple Leaf Drive, but Pepén conveyed residents’ anxiety over the delays and advocated for progress.

Further discussions revolved around the possibility of the city engaging in bulk procurement purchasing for paving work. This could alleviate the burden on residents, who currently navigate the purchasing process independently. The city’s regulatory requirements often make services pricier than those found in the public market.

The complexities of managing private ways were also discussed, including the legal framework, financial burdens, and the Betterment process. The process requires a majority of residents to express a desire to convert their street to public status, which involves significant expenses and compliance with city standards. A representative from the water and sewer department noted that many private ways contain city-owned water pipes, which the city maintains, though drainage systems remain the responsibility of property owners.

A significant portion of the meeting also addressed the city’s policies on sewer repairs. An official explained that while the city offers support, it is often cost-effective for groups of homeowners to hire contractors directly. The city has a “lateral program” providing financial assistance for sewer repairs, and a “betterment policy” covering half the repair costs if residents vote in favor of the project. This policy requires homeowners to grant easements to the city for future maintenance.

Inquiries were made about the responsibilities regarding snow removal on private ways. It was clarified that while the city sometimes plows these areas for safety reasons, incidents of city snowplows damaging private road surfaces have led to additional burdens on residents.

Public testimony highlighted the financial struggles faced by residents on private ways. Helen from Reidsville spoke about the deteriorating condition of Pine Avenue, worsened by utility work. Mary Sullivan from Hobson Street detailed the financial burdens residents face in maintaining their private street, and Ben Weatherall from West Roxbury compared living on a private way to living without a legal condominium contract, urging for more flexible regulations related to the Betterment process.

The meeting also explored innovative solutions for sustainable pavement, including the use of soybean oil-based materials and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Researchers presented the environmental and economic benefits of using these materials, which could reduce costs and improve the longevity of pavements.