State: Waltham improperly brushed aside plowing referendum

WALTHAM

Traversing some commonly used streets in Waltham could be a lot more difficult this winter if a ballot question up for a vote on Nov. 6 doesn't pass.

A "yes" vote to the question would officially allow the city to clear private ways open to public use of snow and ice. A World War Two-era state law allows the city to do it, but officials apparently never put the issue to municipal voters as required and has been improperly plowing for the last 50 years.

The state Inspector General's office informed the city earlier this year that they'd have to put the matter on the ballot as soon as possible. Private ways affected include Worcester Lane, part of Second Avenue, and Summit Avenue.

-- Stephanie V. Siek