|
Town
to enforce junk car bylaw
To
the Editor:
The Board of Selectmen wish to make you aware of the town’s
bylaw Chapter XII, Section 2: Inoperable or Unregistered
Motor Vehicles and of our intent to enforce it as of Oct.
31, 2005.
It reads as follows:
No person shall park, store or otherwise place or leave
in or upon land within the Town of Brookfield more than
one inoperable motor vehicle for a period of more than thirty
(30) days, nor more than one unregistered motor vehicle
for more than sixty (60) days following the expiration date
of the registration of said vehicle, except as hereinafter
provided. Exceptions to the above shall include:
1. motor vehicles associated with commercial vehicle repair
or service establishments, whether or not operable or registered,
provided they are kept on property that is licensed and/or
permitted under the zoning bylaw of the town for such use;
2. farm and construction equipment;
3. motor vehicles within an enclosed building or shielded
from public view.
Definitions:
1. Inoperable or junk vehicle: a motor vehicle not capable
of being used as such in its existing condition by reason
of its having been damaged or dismantled or failing to contain
functioning parts necessary for its operation.
2. Unregistered vehicle: a motor vehicle not bearing a valid,
unexpired vehicle registration sticker issued by the Massachusetts
Registry of Motor vehicles, or equivalent agency of another
state or province.
We are particularly concerned with those vehicles that may
pose safety hazards to children and/or others and those
that are parked on town property. We hope this letter will
encourage violators to correct such problems without further
action. Any questions may be referred to the Board of Selectmen
at Town Hall on 6 Central St., by calling 508-867-2930,
ext. 10 or by e-mailing. If violations do persist, however,
we will turn the matter over to the police department.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
James W. Allen, Clerk
Board of Selectmen
Town of Brookfield
|
Homelessness
happens here, too
To
the Editor:
It has been with great shock and horror that we have all
watched the tragedy unfold in the Gulf region over the past
weeks. Although the extent of the loss of life has yet to
be fully determined, it is clear that thousands upon thousands
of individuals and families have lost their homes, their
possessions, and their jobs. The trauma resulting from Hurricane
Katrina will be felt for years to come.
It is commendable that Massachusetts has answered the call
for help and has offered assistance to storm refugees. On
Sept. 6, the legislature passed a supplemental appropriation
of $25 million to assist those who have been evacuated from
Louisiana and brought here to Massachusetts. As Gov. Romney
said when approving the funding, “Cost is not one
of our considerations. Compassion is coming first.”
It is altogether fitting and proper that we should reach
out and help those impacted by this natural disaster.
While the devastation of Hurricane Katrina was a high-profile
shared tragedy for many in the Gulf region, there are thousands
who have likewise lost everything through a variety of circumstances.
It is important that we remember these persons who were
homeless in Massachusetts before Aug. 29 and those who remain
so today.
There are families who have been forced to flee their homes
because of domestic violence; individuals with medical issues,
mental illness, and other disabilities that make it difficult,
if not impossible, to find accessible, affordable housing.
In appropriating funds to assist the victims of the Katrina
disaster, our elected officials have recognized that a wide-range
of services are necessary to effectively assist those in
need, and have established a remarkable model to respond
to the crisis. It is vital that this model be extended to
help all the residents of the Commonwealth who find themselves
in a similar predicament as our brothers and sisters from
the Gulf coast.
Joe Carleo
Executive Director, AIDS Housing Corporation
Arlene Korab
Executive Director, Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts
James Howard
Executive Director, South Worcester County ARC
|
