Bill > S2596

This bill provides the city of Gloucester with the legal authority to spend public funds on maintaining, repairing, and improving private roads under specific circumstances. Currently, municipalities are generally restricted from using public money on private infrastructure, but this legislation creates an exception for private roads that meet five key criteria: the road must serve at least ten residential properties that pay property taxes to Gloucester; the road must connect two existing roads; the road must lead to a public-interest location like a community facility or recreational venue; the road cannot already be maintained by a developer or private entity through a prior agreement; and the road must primarily function as a through street used by people who do not directly own property along its path. By establishing these conditions, the bill allows Gloucester to invest in private road infrastructure that provides broader community benefits, potentially improving transportation access, safety, and overall municipal infrastructure quality.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2596