Lake panel orders 34-foot houseboat removed
Other Committee · Meeting of September 30, 2026
SHREWSBURY — Lake Quinsigamond Commission orders a 34-foot houseboat removed under its 30-foot vessel limit. Commissioners voted 6-0 with two abstentions to direct removal of owner Paulo Martins' houseboat and authorize a citation, rejecting his argument that the non-motorized platform fell outside Rule 31's "motorized boats or vessels of any nature" language. The commission's chair countered that the rule's little-known exemption for competitive rowing shells proves it already covers all vessels over 30 feet regardless of propulsion.
Martins, who said he owns seven lakefront rental properties in Shrewsbury, argued he'd contacted the commission before buying the boat and received no response. Commissioners separately continued, to their October 28 meeting, a new dock permit application from Martins pending Shrewsbury Conservation Commission input on shoreline work. The commission also heard its five-year weed-treatment plan, expiring October 24, is expected to win state renewal by October 3.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
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- The complete report — 2,933 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of September 30, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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