I got the easement language. None of the houses in front of House 4 are named. The easement refers to three lots: 2, 3 and 4. We are 2 and the guy who everyone is deferring to for the plowing is lot 4. Lot 3 is behind us.

The language is

"The present or future owners of Lots 2 and 3 share equally with the Declarant or subsequent owner of Lot 4 the cost of the maintenance, including snow removal, of said common access driveway..."

So, the three of us are responsible for splitting the cost. Lot 4 is not given sole and super right to hire a plower without our consent. Lot 4 is not given the right to include the plowing of his personal driveway off the common road in the portion we pay. Currently, Lot 4 has hired a plower for $150 a plow - including his personal driveway - and intends to bill us $43. We found a plower who would do the road only for $110.

The next section of the easement is good to:

"In the event that any owner shall default in making his or her proportionate contribution to the costs of the common driveway maintenance and repair, and after having receieved written notice thereof from the non-defaulting lot owners or owners, such unpaid amounts...shal be deemed to be a lien upon the lot..."

Once again, no single lot owner is given more control than the others.

The question becomes do we really make a stink about this for what amounts to about $10 a snowstorm. I don't think we want to.