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What rules? I just read the city's zoning regulartions and this use of one's home is not prohibited: http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/Res/familyhsng/MarlboroughMA_CityClerks/MarlboroughMA_ZoningOrds/article5. What source are you citing?

Its not that hard: http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/Res/familyhsng/MarlboroughMA_CityClerks/MarlboroughMA_ZoningOrds/article5. The practice of storing chemicals and conducting scientific research does not appear to be covered by the city's zoning laws. The only zoning violation he *might* be guilty of is using more than 25% of his home's floorspace for business purposes. That hardly justifies confiscating and destroying everything. There may be other laws about the handling and storage of chemicals in the state, but those are not mentioned in the article. I think the city is wrong, they could have simply asked the guy what the chemicals are and what he has been doing with them. As for spelling the city's name, my recollection is that both forms are used in Massachussettes, the long form on maps, city documents, and so on, the short form on highway signs and many news articles.

Well, I guess you could. If you wanted to.

http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/Gen/MarlboroughMA_PoliceDept/index

Looks like the article got the name of the town wrong... it's Marlborough. At least I'm pretty sure... when I put Marlboro, MA into Google Maps it goes to a location in Marlborough.

In case you'd like to let the dumbass know how you feel..... Here's a Link To the Govt. Office there - http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/Gen/MarlboroughMA_Inspection/index

Marlboro, a town 1660, a city 1890, a police state 2008. http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/Gen/MarlboroughMA_Inspection/index

The article does not state that any zoning laws were broken.

"Mr. Deebâ(TM)s home lab likely violated the regulations of many state and local departments, although officials have not yet announced any penalties."

They invaded his house, tested the chemicals, found no toxic or radiological chemicals, destroyed the remaining chemicals, and don't have any charges or zoning law violations.

The City of Marlboro has it's zoning laws posted here: http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/Gen/MarlboroughMA_CityClerks/MarlboroughMa_ZoningOrds/index
I did a quick look but couldn't find anything that prohibited home chemistry labs.

I contacted Ms. Wilderman, who actually answered her phone. http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/Gen/MarlboroughMA_Inspection/index
Pamela A. Wilderman Code Enforcement Officer 508 460-3765

She stated that the fire department was called for an apparent fire on the 2nd floor of Mr. Deeb's home. This allowed the firemen entry into the house. Upon further investigation (of the basement for a 2nd floor fire) the firemen discovered the chemicals and brought in the authorities.

Ms. Wilderman said "We have zoning laws for this purpose, the firefighters were called into what they thought was a single family residence only to discover unmarked chemicals in the basement, he had a chemistry lab down there, in an area zoned residential". I informed her that I had an electronics lab, and beer brewing equipment in mine to which she made the comment "I bet your neighbors are thrilled about that". Of course I don't think my neighbors even know because they all mind their own business.

Anyway this brings up a series of questions. Were the chemicals truly unmarked? Mr. Deebs is a retired chemist, surely he would practice some type of protocol. Second, if his activity is not illegal where is the justification of not only seizing the items, but then stating they will be disposed of. Will Mr. Deebs be reimbursed. What if they went into the basement and discovered a person to hand loads his own ammunition? It is a perfectly legal hobby practiced by shooters all over the country. Would they have seized those items?

Finally, I would love to hear Mr. Deebs story on this. His reputation is being destroyed over a simple hobby.

Pam Wilderman's phone number according to the city's website is 1-(508)-460-3765. Give her some hell. She's a public servant. Call and let her know your opinion on the matter.

Shouldn't they know for sure that something is amiss before they make raids like this?

I think they are way over the line and will be making a comment here: http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/Gen/comments

Yeah it's comments for the website but hey it's somewhere.

PM

The following link is to the "inspections" division of the city where the zealot works. Phone numbers and emails are listed. Just an FYI http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/Gen/MarlboroughMA_Inspection/index