Jennifer Tabakin, Town Manager
Town Hall
334 Main St.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Great Barrington Police to Conduct Junk Car and Boat Bylaw Enforcement
GREAT BARRINGTON — Chief William Walsh reports that the Great Barrington Police Department has begun its annual campaign to enforce the town’s Automobile Storage Bylaw.
The Town of Great Barrington prohibits the storage of unregistered or dilapidated cars and boats on private property, and officers will be actively enforcing the prohibition. Residents are asked to come into compliance with the bylaw within three weeks, or face a $50 penalty each day that they continue to be in violation.
Residents have several options to bring their cars or boats into compliance:
- Properly register the vehicle
- Screen the vehicle or boat from public view by permanent means, which can include a fence or garage.
- Remove the vehicle or boat
- Obtain a non-renewable permit from the police station for $25. Permits are valid for one vehicle or boat for one year.
Automobiles should be registered through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, while boats should be registered through the Massachusetts Boat and Recreation Vehicle Registration and Titling Bureau.
“Our officers will be checking all town streets to ensure that there are no ongoing violations of the bylaw,” Chief Walsh said. “Residents can avoid a potential penalty by proactively registering their vehicles, or donating unwanted ones to a worthy cause.”
There are multiple non-profit organizations that will retrieve cars or boats in exchange for a tax deduction:
- National Kidney Foundation — 1-800-488-2277
- Mothers Against drunk Driving — 1-800-720-6233
- American Lung Association — 1-800-577-5864 or www.donateyourcar.com
For more information on the bylaw and enforcement efforts, contact Officer Richard Keefner at 413-528-0306.
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