Stump removal hearing turns contentious in Wareham

Sep 24, 2018

A public hearing on the removal of tree stumps turned contentious on Monday as a frustrated property owner called on the Planning Board Chair to recuse himself and threatened legal action.

“See you in court fellows,” said Karl Clemmey, Sr., the owner of 5.5 acres of cleared land at Burgess Point Road. “Hope you got a good attorney.”

Clemmey and his son, William, cleared the land a year and half ago with plans to either build a single family home along with horse paddocks or turn the land into a subdivision. William said his family owns horses and was debating whether to move them.

According to William, removing the stumps is a safety issue as kids are using the cleared lot to ride dirt bikes. He noted the stumps would have to be removed for the horses as well of they are eventually moved to the property.

At the hearing, neighbors complained that clearing the land would lead to runoff and that the Clemmey family did not get proper approval for initially clearing the trees. Chair George Barrett also said that the family failed to come before his board to seek approval for removing the trees. He suggested the board vote on approving a landscaping plan for the new work.

Karl Sr. objected, saying he was never told about the need for a permit from the Planning Board, stating he received approval from the building commissioner and Conservation Commission. He became agitated and pointed out that one of the neighbors who complained sits on a number of town boards with Barrett. Because of that Karl Sr. said he wasn’t getting a fair hearing.

“I want it on record that I asked you to remove yourself,” said Karl Sr. “How many people in this room know you?”

“It’s a small town Mr. Clemmey,” said Barrett. “Everybody knows everybody.”

Board members suggested a site visit and Barrett also said an archeological review of the property may be in order to check for historic artifacts. In light of the questions surrounding the property, members voted to continue the hearing to Dec. 10.