SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. — More snow could be hitting Massachusetts this week, but people in two Southbridge neighborhoods say there may be no one to plow their streets.
Many residents are blaming a developer for leaving homeowners stranded.
That developer, Jay Pelletz, never finished a subdivision called "Hunter's Ridge" -- as well as a second development on Hilltop Drive and Whispering Lane. Even though the roads in those neighborhoods are still his responsibility, Pelletz put everyone on notice that he won’t be plowing them anymore.
If there’s any plowing after the next snowstorm, Pete and Denise Caci and their neighbors worry they’ll have to pay for it.
“I can’t afford to pay for everybody,” Denise Caci said. “We have elderly people stuck in their homes.”
Pelletz, owner of Mutual Builders and developer of the two still-unfinished subdivisions, sent the town letters, saying he “will not be in a position to plow and maintain the streets.”
But Pelletz’ companies still own the roads. Southbridge says they need hundreds of thousands of dollars of work to be brought “up to code” before the town can take them over.
The office of Mutual Builders in Worcester appeared to be shut down, but we could still see unopened mail to Pelletz through the window.
FOX25 finally got him on the phone late Tuesday afternoon.
Pelletz said his company shut down and there’s “no money” left.
With more snow expected in just two days, some homeowners say being left stranded is not an option.
“The town should be sending a plow,” said Denise Caci “Because, I’m sorry, but we pay taxes.”
The town manager told FOX25 they’ll plow private roads in an emergency, but wouldn’t commit to more than that.
Southbridge will meet with residents about the issue Wednesday night.
FOX25 has learned Jay Pelletz has a hearing with the state Wednesday, where he could have his contractor registration revoked.
Cox Media Group
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