How do I make a claim against the City of Medford? |
We cannot formally advise anyone regarding the procedure of making claim against the City of Medford. However, in general, a claim letter must be presented to either the City Clerk or the Mayor and must contain all pertinent information such as the date, the time and the exact location of the accident or incident. Most claims against the City of Medford are governed by either Chapter 84 (Defect in a Public Way) or Chapter 258 (Massachusetts Tort Claims Act) of the Massachusetts General Laws. You can research access the General Laws at the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts’ web-site at http://www.state.ma.us or by visiting the Medford Public Library.
How can I obtain a copy of a City Ordinance? |
You can obtain a copy of the City Ordinances by following the link provided at this site or (for a written copy) by contacting Edward Finn, the City Clerk, whose office is located on the first floor at City Hall.
How can I get an interpretation of a City Ordinance? |
The Law Department is prohibited from giving legal advice, including interpretations of City Ordinances, to persons other than City officials, boards, commissions and committees. The Law Department does not get involved in private property disputes.
Whom should I contact regarding issues involving discrimination? |
For matters involving discrimination issues, click the below topics:
One Ashburton Place
Room 601
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone 617-994-6000
Fax 617-994-6024
TTY 617-994-6196
City of Medford Human Rights Commission
c/o Diane McLeod
Medford City Hall
85 George P. Hassett Drive
Medford, MA 02155
Telephone 781-393-2501
Fax 781-393-2105
TDD 781-393-2516
Whom should I contact regarding equal access to City of Medford facilities, services and programs? |
For matters involving equal access issues, click the below topics:
c/o Diane McLeod
Medford City Hall
85 George P. Hassett Drive
Medford, MA 02155
Telephone 781-393-2501
Fax 781-393-2105
TDD 781-393-2516
Executive Office for Administration and Finance
1 Ashburton Place
Room 1305
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone 617-727-7440
Fax 617-727-0965
Administrative Office and Eastern Massachusetts Regional Services
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
150 Mt. Vernon Street
5th Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125
Telephone 617-740-1600
TTY 617-740-1700
Fax 617-740-1699
How can I receive information on Zoning Questions? |
The Building Commissioner, Paul Mochi, is responsible for making all determinations dealing with zoning and inquiries should be directed to his office.
Whom should I contact for information on worker's compensation? |
For City of Medford employees, the entity to contact is the City of Medford’s Worker’s Compensation Agent, Cook and Company. It can be reached at 1-800- 281-9696. The person assigned by Cook and Co. to the Workers Compensation matters pertaining to City of Medford employee’s is Sal Carcia who may be reached at that same telephone number.
Can I cut or trim the limbs of my neighbor’s tree? |
Generally, a basic principle of real property law in Massachusetts is that an owner has the right to everything above the land’s surface and everything below. Technically, you may have the right to remove the portion of your neighbor’s tree which overhangs your property. However, we strongly urge you to act reasonably and speak with your neighbor first. Again, the above is not legal advice and before you act in any manner, we recommend that you contact an attorney of your choice.
Can I cut or trim a City of Medford’s public shade tree? |
No. If you believe a City of Medford tree needs to be cut, trimmed or removed, you must contact Arthur Jeselonis, the Tree Warden of the City of Medford. There are penalties and fines if any person other than the tree warden cuts, trims or removes a public shade tree.
Can I receive personal legal assistance from the Law Department? |
As legal counsel to the City of Medford, the Law Department is prohibited from providing legal representation or legal advice to members of the public. Therefore, if you have a private dispute, the Law Department cannot advise you how to proceed. If you are seeking legal services, you may wish to contact the following agencies:
One Ashburton Place
20th Floor
Boston, MA 02108-1518
Telephone 617-727-2200
Fax 617-727-3251
TTY 617-727-4765
Cambridge Somerville Legal Services
60 Gore Street
Suite 203
Cambridge, MA 02141
Telephone 617-603-2700
Fax 617-494-8222
TTY 617-494-1757
One West Street
Cambridge, MA 02139-1799
Telephone 617-661-1010
Fax 617-661-3289
Baker House
1587 Massachusetts Avenue, Rear
Cambridge, MA 02138
Telephone 617-495-4408
Fax 617-496-2687
Lawyers Referral Service of
Middlesex County Bar Association
Superior Court House
40 Thorndike Street
Cambridge, MA 02141-1755
Telephone 617-494-4150
Fax 617-494-4122
Middlesex County Bar Association Legal Clinic
Superior Court House
40 Thorndike Street
Cambridge, MA 02141-1755
Telephone 617-494-4150
Fax 617-494-4122
Where can I receive legal advice for private matters involving Tenant/Landlord matters? |
While the Law Department cannot provide this assistance, in addition to the sources set forth in answer to the previous question, you may want to contact:
Affairs & Business Regulation
One Ashburton Place
Room 1411
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone number: (617) 727-7755
Consumer Hotline: (617) 727-7780
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Landlord Rights and Responsibilities
Safe and Sanitary Housing("Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation")
Note: As legal counsel to the City of Medford, the Law Department is prohibited from providing legal representation or legal advice to members of the public. The information above is not intended as legal advice. You should always consult an attorney of your choice for actual guidance. |
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