Bellingham Bikeway Meeting Minutes
May 28, 2009
7:00 PM
Present for the meeting were members Cliff Matthews, Neal Standley, Mary Chaves,
Bill Roberts, Ernie Taft, Lori Fafard, Dan Ranieri and Anne Matthews. Also in attendance was Representative Jennifer Callahan.
Franklin update
The Franklin Rails to Trails group reported that Ron Clough and Dan O’Brien of DRC stated that DCR’s goal for this summer is to install two gates on the Franklin portion of the SNETT, one at Spring Street and one at Prospect Street. They also propose to grade the trail to eliminate the moguls. The gates will be secured. Tresca Bros. will donate approximately three yards of concrete ($350) to install the gates.
Site Walk Report
Cliff Matthews stated that on Sat. May 2, members Bill Roberts, Neal Standley, Anne Matthews and he walked the portion of the SNET Trail from Fox Run Road to Blackstone. Items of concern include corrections to drainage problems, the condition of drainage structures, and the possibility of land swap(s) between the town and DCR near the cemetery property and the South School property.
Cliff stated that several drainage structures along this route seem to be in good repair but need maintenance. Two areas of concern include a very poorly drained and gravel borrowed section of trail located approx. 150 feet long in close proximity to the entrance at Fox Run Road. The second section is approx. 1200 feet of trail that holds standing water and is located just east of the South Main Street bridge near Elm Street. Cliff Matthews then stated that the section of the trail that exists from the South Main Street bridge to Blackstone is only in need of grading and paving. The portion in Bellingham is approx. 1200 – 1500 feet that connects to the 2500 foot portion in Blackstone that would connect to the park.
Bridge at South Main St. near Elm Street
The site walk inspection revealed that hunks of concrete are missing under the South Main Street bridge near Elm Street. Sections were water soaked and dripping. Areas of rebar are also exposed. After speaking with DPW Director Don DiMartino, Cliff read Mr. DiMartino’s email response letter relative to the need to obtain re-engineering of the drainage and replacement of the bridge. One concept Don DiMartino expressed was replacing the bridge with a corrugated pipe tube for bike access and filling in the balance of the area underneath the bridge. The old infiltration chamber will also need to be re-engineered and replaced. In existing conditions during low flow, the water from the poor drainage flows west. During peak flows, however, the water flows in the opposite direction. Stormwater Phase II upgrades will be required to
address these flooding issues. Di Martino suggested that a cost analysis be completed that included alternatives. Jen Callahan then remarked that, based on inspection of bridges over the past several years, the state will have to develop a priority list of bridge repair.
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An alternative route for trail users over South Main Street was then discussed but members agreed that this would potentially be a significant safety issue for trail users crossing heavy traffic at S. Main Street at various times of the day.
Potential land swap
Cliff then stated that he had a preliminary discussion with Town Administrator Denis Fraine regarding the possibility of a land swap between the town and DCR at the location of the 1500 foot length near South School that is currently under water from poor drainage. The town owns the property where the trail diverts onto higher grounds where it avoids the flooded trail easement. He stated that the town could possibly use the value of the land from the swap as a local match for a grant. This swap would be beneficial in several ways by solving drainage issues, addressing flooding and engineering problems. Most importantly, it could represent
a substantial donation to a grant match. Another area having the same potential for a land swap is located at the entrance to the trail at Fox Run Road. This trail diversion currently traverses the town owned cemetery. Proper ownership must be investigated.
Sportsmen’s Club ownership
At the last meeting, ownership issues were raised concerning the area of the trail located at and near the Sportsmen’s Club. Ron Clough of DCR has since investigated and confirmed that DCR owns the trail. The Sportsmen’s Club has no legitimate claim to any section of the trail. Ron’s email to Cliff stated that the last portion of the SNETT in Bellingham held in private ownership was Frank Morse at Fox Run Road which was donated back to DCR in 2001. This area will be inspected in the next site walk at which time we will investigate any potential abuses to the land.
Marcia and Diana Crooks, abutters to the trail, expressed their concern with the potential of trespass onto their land when the trail is developed. They stated that current trespassers include picnickers, campers, fire builders and ATV traffic. Jen Callahan suggested that natural barriers (Arborvitae, etc.) or fencing be included in the plan along the section of the trail that traverses their land. Cliff Matthews stated that ATV’s are not allowed on recreational trails and that the trail would not only be policed by DCR but also posted with signs. He stated that these are the management issues that DCR will implement.
Liaison to Rep. Callahan
Since he is in Boston regularly, Dan Ranieri volunteered to be the Bellingham Bikeway liaison to Representative Callahan’s office.
Representative Callahan
Guest Representative Callahan gave a brief update on her recent efforts to promote and fund the Bellingham Bikeway project. She said that after several attempts, her office finally made contact with Commissioner Rick Sullivan’s office and that the project is now on the radar. She
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added that on May 27th, Mass. Highway assigned $870,000 to the design and planning of the SNET trail. Dan Driscoll and Gary Guire are in the planning and design section.
She also stated that if a bridge is needed, Mass Highway would be of assistance.
Rep. Callahan said that there are two pools for funding:
1. Rails to Trails money would be a viable source and
2. Partnership money which is state funded with public/private partnerships
She then stated that someone from the Commissioner’s office would be contacting her office directly. She stated that, obviously, design money would be required first.
Rep. Callahan expressed her appreciation to the board members stating her enthusiasm with their talent and competency.
Next meeting & site walk
The second site walk was scheduled for Saturday, June 20th at 8:00 AM. Members will meet at Center Street and will walk northeast to Franklin.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25th at 7:00 PM at the Bellingham Historical Building.
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