Easton Officials Discuss 'Scenic Road' Bylaw [Poll]

In an effort to preserve Easton's historical and natural landmarks, officials are considering acting on a bylaw that was passed 13 years ago.

The 1998 bylaw, called the "Scenic Road Bylaw" would protect certain trees and stone walls on roadways that the town deems "scenic." Currently, no Easton roadways are designated with the label.

"Every once in a while people call me and complain ‘why did you let them take out the stone wall?,'" Historical Commission Chair Melanie Deware said. "I didn’t let anybody. It’s their property and it hasn’t been designated scenic."

The issue was discussed during a joint meeting Monday night with the Historical Commission and the Planning and Zoning Board at the

One obstacle officials could face would be the cost of surveying the roads, Planning and Zoning Chair Gregory Strange said. Currently the bylaw suggests that an engineer would survey the land to help deem what is worth saving.

The committee suggested amending the bylaw, however, to include certain roads without the involvement of an engineer, particularly in Easton's historic district. Modifying the bylaw would require public hearings and a vote at Town Meeting.

The joint committee agreed to research roads that could be considered "scenic" while Town Planner Brad Washburn and Community Housing Planner Timothy Harrigan discuss the issue with other town officials who have enacted similar regulations. Officials mentioned Sharon as the closest town.

"We can find as many towns in Eastern Massachusetts that have done something like this and then come back with the information," Washburn said.