POLL: Should State Change Appeal Requirements?

Earlier this week, on the Massachusetts state laws for appealing construction projects. But we want to know what you think about the system.

As currently constructed, the laws allow one abutter or a group of at least 10 residents to stop the construction of a project by filing an appeal and paying a processing fee.

Board of Selectmen chairman Mike Newhouse said this allows for stall tactics from residents who oppose plans that were approved by a majority vote.

“These regulations need to be significantly revised,” said Newhouse. “It makes no sense to me that 10 residents who need not be registered voters, or even American citizens, only need one member having attended a Conservation Commission meeting to thwart the will of the people without repercussions of frivolous claims. That just doesn’t make sense.”

Resident Kevin MacDonald, who is currently the that have said he believes the laws should stay as is.

“I actually think it should only be one person needed to start an appeal,” said MacDonald. “If one person in the country knew that the cigarette manufacturing companies were putting chemicals into cigarettes, and the rest of the country didn’t believe it, I think that one person should be able to be heard and appealed."

So what do you think? Are the laws to loose for your liking, or should things stay the way they are?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section and be sure to vote in our poll as well to weigh in on this issue.