Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department With the snow gone and leaves still off the trees, some things, normally out of sight, are now visible. I was asked a question regarding the storage of unregistered motor vehicles on properties here in town. Many people have unregistered cars or trucks on their property for one reason or another. I was asked to explain the Town By-law. Article 280-8 is the section of the Dudley By-laws which pertains to storage of unregistered motor vehicles. Unless a person is the holder of a license, such as a car dealer, or unless given a special permit by the Selectmen, they cannot have more than one unregistered motor vehicle on a lot in Town. The vehicle can be assembled or disassembled for the purposes of this law. The term "lot" is defined as "a parcel of land held in identical ownership throughout including all contiguous land held in the same ownership." Should someone request a special permit, a public hearing will be held, and the Selectmen "may" issue one if certain criteria are met. Some items of consideration include whether the vehicles constitute a nuisance and if they do "not adversely affect the neighborhood." This By-law does not apply to vehicles stored within an enclosed building or if they are designed for farming or other agricultural purposes. Penalties for a violation are twenty dollars per day for each violation. This law is designed to avoid hazardous situations and the compiling of junk vehicles. Should you find yourself with a potential violation, it is good to know you have options. Many charities or scrap dealers will take old vehicles off your property at no cost. You may also receive a tax credit in some cases. Feel free to contact our office should you require assistance with this problem. |
For those still seeking COVID-19 vaccination or other information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling 508-949-8036. We encourage everyone to continue to be safe. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. These times continue to be challenging and we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community.
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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