Dighton Board of Selectmen Orders Fence Relocation Amid Boundary Dispute
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
10/09/2024
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Recording Published:
10/09/2024
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Duration:
29 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Dighton
- Meeting Overview:
The Dighton Board of Selectmen addressed a complex boundary dispute involving properties at 2188 and Cedar Street, focusing on a chain-link fence allegedly encroaching on a neighboring property. After discussions, the Board decided to order the property owner, Mr. Christopher Pereira, to relocate his fence to ensure compliance with the established property lines.
During the meeting, the Selectmen delved into the intricacies of the property line issue, which involved a site visit to assess the location of various fences and markers. The primary focus was on the chain-link fence, which was reported to be encroaching on a neighbor’s land by approximately three inches.
One Board member noted the physical challenges encountered during the site visit, describing the need to navigate over a difficult terrain to reach the property line. Measurements taken during the visit highlighted discrepancies between the actual property line and the fence’s current placement, leading to uncertainty about the fence’s compliance. The Board discussed the necessity of moving the fence to align it correctly with the surveyor’s stakes, with one member suggesting the use of a six-foot pole as a marker for clarity.
The conversation also touched on the potential resolution of the dispute by moving the fence eight inches onto Mr. Pereira’s property to prevent future conflicts. This suggestion was supported by the notion that clear boundaries are important to avoid misunderstandings, especially when properties change ownership. The Board emphasized that the current ambiguity stems from fences being placed slightly off the actual boundary due to concerns about neighborly conflicts.
There was a motion to notify Mr. Pereira to move the chain-link fence six inches east onto his property, which was seconded but prompted some debate regarding its wording. A deadline of November 20th was proposed for compliance, with plans to inspect the property before the next meeting to verify adherence to the Board’s instructions.
In addition to the chain-link fence, the Board’s discussions included a reference to a wooden stockade fence on the east side of the property. It was clarified that if this fence was on the neighbor’s land, the neighbor could incorporate it as part of their boundary. However, if it overstepped, it would require adjustment.
Michael P. Mullen, Jr.
City Council Officials:
Peter D. Caron, Nicole Mello, Leonard E. Hull, Jr., Karin Brady (Executive Assistant/ HR Coordinator), Leeanne Kerwin (Administrative Assistant)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
10/09/2024
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Recording Published:
10/09/2024
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Duration:
29 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Dighton
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