Acushnet, State Discuss Control of South Main Street

I am usually of the viewpoint that anything the state and the federal government can do, city government can do much better, frequently at less expense to the taxpayers, too. That’s why it ignited my interest just recently to discover of a conversation underway about moving control of South Main Street from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to individuals of Acushnet.

First, I had no concept South Main Street was under state control. Wikipedia states, “A brief, 2.8 mile (4.5 km) stretch of Route 105 goes through the northeast corner of town, both going into and leaving throughRochester Otherwise, the town consists of no state or federal highways.”

I think South Main Street does not fit the meaning of a highway.

Acushnet Town Clerk Pamela Labonte informed me there is a continuous conversation about whether the town need to take ownership ofSouth Main Street Some in the area think that by taking control of the street, town authorities would have more control over such things as managing truck traffic and signs positioning.

Labonte stated the state is attempting to “unload” South Main Street on the town which some do not see the advantage of taking control of the street. There are concerns about whether Acushnet taxpayers would be on the hook for acquiring South Main Street from the state and whether the Commonwealth would pave it and update pathways prior to handing off control to the town.

During a conference last fall, the Select Board agreed to enter into discussions with the Massachusetts Highway Department about the state giving up control of South Main Street and what such a relocation may require.

Labonte stated it might use up to 5 years for an arrangement to be settled.

South Main Street ranges from Acushnet Town Hall southerly to the Fairhaven line.

See the Must-Drive Roads in Every State