Fuller Ave Resident Seeks City's Help to Remove Abandoned Backhoe

Environmental Planner Lee Fuller told the Conservation Commission Wednesday night that residents in the Fuller Street neighborhood are concerned that a backhoe, that was abandoned by North Attleboro developer Scott Brown nearly six years ago, may be in the wetlands.

The backhoe is on a vacant lot near single family homes that Brown built in the area of Fuller and Garden Avenues off Reed Street.

"I received complaints from one of the neighbors that the backhoe has been sitting there for several years and he thinks it's near the wetlands," Fuller reported to the Commission.

Fuller has sent two letters via parcel post, and and last week sent a certified letter that has yet to be received, he said. To date, Brown has not responded to any correspondence on the issue.

While the commission said the original Order of Conditions on the property had long since been closed, the Commission needs to determine if the machine is leaking into the wetlands, said Fuller. 

Commissioner Ronald Koback is concerned the machine may be a "rusting hull," Commissioner Joe Hobin is concerned about children playing in the area, and commissioner John Marth is concerned that hydraulic fluid could be leaking into the ground.

The commission agreed to put Brown on notice that Fuller will be inspecting the property sometime in the near future to determine if it is causing environmental damage. 

If the backhoe is determined to be putting contaminants into the ground, the commission will notify Brown of his violation and impose a fine.