BOS:311
OPEN #BCS-00335818
Opened
1h ago
Description
Dear Boston Inspectional Services Department, I am writing to request the City of Boston’s assistance regarding the alley/access area behind my property at 19 Everett Street, East Boston, MA 02128. My understanding has always been that the alley/access behind my property was limited and only extended to Emmet Place, with legal access provided only as far as the property that was entitled to use the alley. However, the situation has changed significantly. The property owners located behind Everett Street, along Sumner Street, including the area extending toward approximately 302 Sumner Street, appear to have opened gates that were previously closed and, to my understanding, were formerly garden areas rather than vehicle access points. Since these gates have been opened, vehicles are now entering through this area and traveling through a very narrow space directly behind and extremely close to my home. I have observed large vehicles, including towing trucks, entering the area, and I understand that some vehicles are also being repaired in this area. There This situation has already resulted in actual damage to my property. Two separate oversized vehicles have struck my property, and I have police reports documenting both incidents. I am concerned that if this vehicle access continues, additional and potentially more serious structural damage could occur. I respectfully request that the City investigate and clarify: The legal status and exact boundaries of the alley/access area behind 19 Everett Street. Whether the alley legally extends beyond Emmet Place toward the properties on Sumner Street and approximately 302 Sumner Street. Whether the gates that were previously closed and/or used as garden areas were legally authorized to be opened and converted into vehicle access points. Whether the property owners have obtained the necessary permits, zoning approvals, easements, or other City authorization to create or use these areas as vehicle entrances. Whether the current use of the area for vehicle repairs, towing trucks, oversized vehicles, and other commercial vehicle activity is legally permitted. Whether vehicles belonging to the properties along Sumner Street have a legal right to travel through this narrow access area behind my property. Whether the City has any records showing when these gates were installed, modified, or authorized. Whether the current use of this area complies with Boston zoning, building, fire-safety, transportation, and property-access requirements. What legal measures the City can take to prevent oversized vehicles from continuing to enter this extremely narrow area and causing damage to my home. Whether I am permitted to install bollards, concrete barriers, or other protective barriers along my property line to protect my home from additional vehicle impacts. I want to make clear that I am not attempting to interfere with anyone's lawful right of access to their property. My concern is that the use of this previously limited/narrow area appears to have changed substantially, and vehicles much larger than the space can safely accommodate are now using it. I respectfully ask the City to determine whether these newly opened gates and the resulting vehicle access are legally authorized and whether the current use of the area is consistent with the original legal purpose of the alley/access. I can provide photographs and videos showing the gates, the narrow access area, the large towing trucks entering the area, and the damage to my property. I can also provide the two police reports documenting the separate vehicle-impact incidents. Because additional damage could occur at any time, I would greatly appreciate an inspection of the area and written clarification regarding the legal status and permitted use of this access.
Location
19 Everett St, Boston
42.368328, -71.0369055
Photos
Image submitted with report
Image submitted with report

Activity

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