WILMINGTON – Unsightly fences, damaged fences, and ‘spite fences’ can severely harm community relationships, a reality that many homeowners can relate to. On Monday evening, the Selectmen took action to mitigate fence-related conflicts by designating a Fence Viewer. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 49, section 1, “the selectmen of each town must annually appoint […]
WILMINGTON – Unsightly fences, damaged fences, and ‘spite fences’ can severely harm community relationships, a reality that many homeowners can relate to. On Monday evening, the Selectmen took action to mitigate fence-related conflicts by designating a Fence Viewer.
According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 49, section 1, “the selectmen of each town must annually appoint two or more fence viewers to serve for one year until their successors take their place.”
The Town Counsel informed Town Manager Michael Caira that the Selectmen needed to proceed with this appointment to comply with the law.
Selectman Michael Newhouse proposed either appointing the building inspector or someone from the engineering department. For the initial appointment, the board unanimously decided to select just one fence viewer, Wilmington Building Inspector Al Spaulding.
Selectman Michael Champoux inquired about the criteria that Spaulding would follow when evaluating fences.
Chapter 49 is an extensive legal framework that outlines what defines a fence, how to manage a property owner’s neglect of a fence, spite fences, maintenance requirements, and various other matters. This law will guide Spaulding in his responsibilities. Newhouse noted that Spaulding would likely maintain regular communication with Town Counsel to ensure adherence to requirements and responsibilities.
Winifred Richardson Estate
The Selectmen also received correspondence from Historic New England – the organization that owns the Winifred Richardson estate, which is currently for sale – offering the town $25,000 to assist with the historic easement of the property and to manage any historical items from the house that will become town property.
This fund, however, is governed by eternal restrictions on the principal and appreciation, meaning only the interest income generated from it can be utilized for the ongoing expenses of monitoring and/or enforcing the preservation restrictions the Town has on the house or any items within the house that Historic New England gifts to the Town.
“It’s somewhat limiting, but still, it’s $25,000 for the town,” remarked Caira.
Historic New England intends to sell the property to individuals interested in historic preservation who are prepared to engage with easements. The property is currently on the market for $462,500.
The Winifred Richardson estate, situated at 280 Woburn Street, spans 5.7 acres and includes a house built in 1754, barns, and various outbuildings such as a hen shelter, brooding house, and a cold cellar. It is also referred to as the Boutell-Hathorn House.
Previously known as Wheelgate Farm, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized as “a notable example of Georgian and Federal period architecture.”
At present, the town has a preservation restriction on the property that was granted to the town and approved at Town Meeting in 2007.
