Massachusetts's rules for shared roads

Can we force a meeting if a neighbor stonewalls?

With four or more proprietors, any three may apply in writing to the district court clerk, the town clerk or a justice of the peace, who may issue a warrant calling the meeting.

How much notice does the meeting need?

The warrant is posted in a public place in the town at least seven days before the meeting.

Who runs the road afterward?

The meeting chooses a clerk and a surveyor, both sworn, and sets how future meetings are called.

How are shares set?

The meeting determines each proprietor's proportion of money, labor and materials; under § 14 elected assessors assess by each owner's interest in the way.

What happens to a refuser?

They are liable to the surveyor in contract for their proportion plus ten percent interest under § 13.

Can assessments really collect like taxes?

Yes: § 14 arms the surveyor with warrants of distress and the collection powers of a town tax collector for voted assessments.

Can labor count instead of money?

The statute apportions money, labor and materials alike, which fits roads where one owner brings the tractor.

Will the town plow a private way?

Towns have adopted local mechanisms for snow and temporary repairs; those live in chapter 40 and turn on your town's own votes, so ask the town clerk what yours has adopted.

What records does this machinery assume?

Warrants, votes, proportions, assessment lists and the surveyor's collections; the statute presumes a ledger, so keep one worth presuming.