Private Ways Hit With $5 Plowing Fee Hike

Residents of Northborough's private ways face roughly 3 percent higher town sanding, salting and plowing bills this winter.

Selectmen voted Monday night to set those fees at $175 per storm, per private way, a $5 increase, for the winter.

Public Works Director Dan Nason presented the request at a public hearing Monday night at the Northborough Town Hall Offices.

Selectman Jeff Amberson asked Nason if the increase would cover Northborough's costs.

"It's tough to say that. It all depends on the storm," Nason said.

Vice Chairman Dawn Rand said that "I think this is a great service," and that the residents could hire a private plow if they don't want to pay the town's fee.

Town Administrator John Coderre said that "anyone who's ever gone out and gotten a private estimate, they always come right back to the town's program."

Nason said that "we've actually been approached by the residents of Howard Street that they may want to opt out this year."

He said all residents on each public way are being notified of the program, and he requires "a signature on the contract from every one of those residents, so everybody's on board."