Traffic commission advises survey, council petition after Highland Ave parking dispute

Petitioner Nick Moysakis told the Woburn Traffic Commission on Feb. 15 that vehicles parked at the end of Highland Avenue frequently block his driveway, interfere with snow removal and could prevent emergency vehicles from reaching his house. "It's impossible for them to get to my house," Moysakis said, describing an uphill driveway and vehicles parking in locations that push plows into his driveway.

Staff and commissioners examined GIS layers and told Moysakis the problematic portion of Highland Avenue is an unaccepted subdivision street — pavement located in a public right-of-way but without formal city acceptance. Staff explained the traffic code permits the city to install enforceable "no parking" signs only on legally accepted public ways. A traffic official said police can address a vehicle that physically blocks a driveway, but cannot enforce a general no-parking sign on an unaccepted segment.

Commissioners also noted parcel-line complexity and a possible driveway encroachment near 8 Highland Ave after staff traced property lines in GIS. One commissioner recommended the petitioner provide a stamped existing-condition survey and any engineering documents to clarify frontage and the precise limits of the right-of-way.

Because acceptance of any portion of a street requires a legal plan, a survey, and city-council action under the municipal code, the commission recommended Moysakis pursue a formal petition — starting with a professional existing-condition survey — and directed staff to explain the filing steps. The commission then voted to receive the applicant materials, place the matter on file and advise the petitioner to consult the city clerk and pursue street-acceptance steps.

Next steps: the commission will keep the matter on the agenda for follow-up and Moysakis said he will provide stamped documents to staff; city council and legal review would be required for any change in the street's legal status.