37 Years. A Broken Foot. 90 Days to Leave.

Tom LaRochelle is 79 years old. He plowed Melendy Pond Road through New Hampshire winters for nearly 20 years — at his own expense, without compensation. He served on the Brookline Recreation Commission for years. He once parachuted out of a plane at 2,500 feet — in high winds and frigid temperatures — to deliver Express Mail at the grand opening of Brookline’s new Post Office.

And recently, he broke his volunteering in his role on the Recreation Commission to set up the Town’s Ice Fishing Derby.

While he was recovering in a wheelchair, the Town gave him 90 days to leave the home he’s lived in for 37 years. No compensation. Nowhere to go. By late June 2026, Tom must vacate, then either move or demolish his home himself — or the Town will do it and send him the bill.

Why He’s Being Forced Out

Tom’s lease expired in 2025. The Town refused to renew it — the only renewal window was one they controlled, and signing would have cost him an additional $15,000. He was given until late June 2026 to vacate.

Melendy Pond residents have paid millions in rent and property taxes to the Town. Now they are being told to leave — and to pay to demolish their own homes. This may violate the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Part I, Article 12 of the New Hampshire Constitution, both of which require just compensation when government action effectively takes private property.

What This Fund Is For

To help Tom fight to stay — through legal action, including a potential takings claim for just compensation. And if he must leave, to make sure he leaves with dignity after 37 years of service to his community.

Funds are managed through the Melendy Pond Cooperative Association, a registered NH nonprofit.