In May, 2014 Annual Town Meeting authorized the Select Board to establish a new policy relative to improvement of private ways. The proposed policy gives abutters a different approach to change their road from private to public. The warrant article (#33) stated: "Owners of land abutting any private way that is open to public use may petition the Select Board to lay out and accept such way as public and improve such way to standards acceptable to the Board of Selectmen. The Board may determine to approve such petition and establish standards for the improvement of such way in accordance with a policy implemented by said Board after due notice and hearing."

As required by the article Selectmen held a hearing open to the public on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the Dedham Middle School Auditorium. The draft process was presented and the public had the opportunity to ask questions and make comments.

At a regularly scheduled meeting March 19, 2015 the Select Board voted to approve the Road Acceptance Policy and Procedures.

Below, please find links which include a list of private ways and proposed design standards. Residents can contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-751-9100 or the Director of Engineering at 781-751-9352 with any questions or to request copies of this information if needed.

• Road Acceptance Policy and Procedure
• Public Way Layout Petition Form Exhibit A
• Acceptance of Conceptual Overlay Plan Form Exhibit B
• Private Ways Design Standard Exhibit C
• Private Ways Groups with Cost – Rev. 04/06/15
• Frequently Asked Questions

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