Saugus board to review conditions at subdivision

SAUGUS – The Board of Selectmen will visit the troubled Bellevue Heights subdivision on Oct. 18 to determine what action needs to be taken to relieve its residents from the “deplorable conditions” that have plagued the area since 2001.Speaking on behalf of his Hitching Hill Road neighbors, attorney Ferruccio Romeo asked the board on Tuesday to take action on the neighborhood’s public safety and structural problems.”We have lived under these conditions up there, and we appreciate this board’s assistance on this matter,” he said.Romeo said poor street lighting, illegal dumping, drug/alcohol activity and an abandoned excavator are some of the 11 concerns raised by Bellevue residents.”Public safety is the main issue up there,” said Romeo.Prior to seeking assistance from the selectmen, Romeo explained that he had consulted with Town Counsel John Vasapolli and Planning Board Chairman Peter Rossetti to resolve the matter.”I questioned the Planning Board at the Sept. 18 meeting,” he said.However, those efforts have been to no avail thus far.”The residents that have been there all along have been ignored,” said Romeo.He added that during the winter months, residents have faced the hardship of being stranded in their homes as no one comes to plow after a snowstorm.”The town trucks come through there, but they don’t plow there,” he said. “We pay taxes just like everyone else.”Selectman Debra Panetta said she has lived on neighboring Bellevue Street for a number of years and is aware of what happens on the hill behind her street.”I see everything that goes on,” she said. “I’ve watched that development grow, it’s a huge issue.”After visiting Bellevue last Sunday with Selectman Paul Allan, Vice Chairman Maureen Dever said one of her initial concerns was the steep drop off on the side of Hitching Hill Road.”It’s a phenomenal view, but it’s a phenomenal drop,” said Panetta.Selectman Stephen Castinetti said he will contact the town’s electrical inspector today to resolve any safety hazards posed by underground wires.”We should get up there as soon as possible,” he said.