Bill > S2578

This bill provides the select board of Scituate with expanded authority to assess costs for sidewalk construction or reconstruction directly to abutting property owners. Specifically, the legislation allows the town's select board to order assessments up to the full cost of new sidewalk projects or sidewalk upgrades that involve more permanent construction materials, which is a departure from standard state laws (specifically section 26 of chapter 83 of the General Laws) that typically limit such assessments. This local special legislation gives Scituate more flexibility in financing sidewalk improvements by potentially requiring adjacent property owners to bear more of the infrastructure cost. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, and includes a standard provision allowing the Massachusetts General Court to make minor modifications to the bill's language while maintaining its core public policy objectives.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2578