Thanks Carol… Just wanted to follow up with a few additional facts about this issue:

1.      Our online maps (.PDF and interactive) are entirely consistent with what is on file with our Town Clerk.

2.      No one disputes that our Town Meeting has the sole authority to “amend” the map.

3.      Each amendment to the map has been supported by a legal description of the changes.

4.      In this case… our map wasn’t consistent with the legal descriptions!

So the crux of the situation is this… Should staff have the authority to correct (without Town Meeting approval) what was an obvious mistake made in drafting the map? Should the legal descriptions “carry more weight” than a line drawn on a 500-scale map?

As a Planning Board member myself, I have my own opinions on the issue… Curious to hear what others think!

Brian

Brian,

While we digitized the zoning boundaries back in 1998, the official zoning maps are the 249 (plat based) 11”x17” paper maps, notarized by the Town Clerk.  Doesn’t matter what the GIS shows, it’s the paper maps that are official.  And yes, only the Town council can change the zoning boundaries.

Good luck with this!

Carol 

(f)  401 788-9792

So, you think your “routine” data edits aren’t that important? Think again! Back in January, I was asked by our Planning Department staff to correct an error that was introduced when our zoning district boundaries were first digitized nearly 12 years ago… And thus began a legal battle that likely won’t be resolved until sometime in 2015.

Full details of the situation are available here:  http://wellesley.wickedlocal.com/article/20140508/NEWS/140506614

Just curious… Anyone else have a similar story to share about an edit to data or maps that are considered “legal instruments” like our Zoning Map? How was your issue resolved?

Cheers,

Brian

Brian C. DuPont, GIS Manager

Town of Wellesley, MA

525 Washington Street

Wellesley, MA 02482

(p) 781-431-1019 x2289

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