posted May 3, 2009 5:06 PM by Larry Kiernan
Date: Apr 14, 2009 "WASHINGTON
- Despite a recent declaration by Governor Deval Patrick that
encouraging bicycling is a priority for his administration,
Massachusetts ranks last in the nation among all states in requesting
federal funds for bike lanes, rail-trails, and similar improvements and
has failed to use more than $80 million set aside for the state." See the full globe article |
posted Oct 31, 2008 8:55 AM by Larry Kiernan
Colleen Abrams, president of Wachusett Greenways, was beaming yesterday morning when the volunteer organization was cited as a role model for other volunteer recreational trail groups.
“Wachusett Greenways should be the model for other grassroots, volunteer-driven rail trail groups in the state. In their 12 years, they have not only built and opened 12 miles of the corridor, but they have been a leader in teaching other groups how to raise money, build friends, and have fun along the way,” Ms. Dibb said.
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posted Oct 18, 2008 10:25 AM by Larry Kiernan
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updated Oct 20, 2008 7:28 AM
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Wayland Rail Trail has requested funds thru DCR's Partnership Matching Funds Program.
Wayland Rail Trail Safety and Usability Project
SUMMARY
We are applying for $2,600 for materials and rental equipment to improve safety and usability of the 3 - mile walking path along MCRT in Wayland. These trail improvements will help build support for the rail trail funds until further funds become available. Detailed cost estimates are on Attachment E.
1) WIDEN CURRENT WALKING PATH - $1,000. The existing path runs on the south side of the track and is narrow walking path. It is over run by small shrubs, prickers and tall grasses. Ticks are prevalent on the trail and are a significant inhibitor to use as well as a safety issue. Since the rail line is under the powerlines no trees are larger then a 1 inch caliper. A 6-12 foot wide mowed path would reduce the tick issues significantly. The widened path will provide more room to share the trail and reduce impact on the mile - long rut running down the center of the trail. ( See photo and comments on Attachment B) Volunteers will do the work but would like to rent a brush cutter and mower 5 times a year to keep back the prickers, shurbs and the grass cut.
2) RUT REPAIR - $2,030. The eastern third (approx 1 mile) of the trail is used by equestrians as well as walkers and bikers ( SEE MAP Attachment F). Because of many years of equestrian use and the limited width (2-4 feet wide) , a severe rut has developed on some sections of the trail. The rut varies at different spots but is typically 18 inches wide and 3-15 inches deep. (SEE PHOTOS on Attachment D) Navigating the "rutty" sections of the trail is difficult for walkers and bikers. By filling in the shallow "U" shaped rut with crusher run (or something similar) and resurfacing with native materials, walking and biking will be much safer. This needs to be done where the path cannot be widened enough ( along ridges and valleys). We are working with the equestrians to develop a parallel path where possible to distribute the wear on the trail.
3) EROSION CONTROL - $ 870. Two short sections of the trail have significant erosion - at one section you have to cross over the track to avoid falling into a small pit created. (SEE Attachment D ) We would like to put up a small retaining wall/barrier to prevent further erosion, then fill in with bank gravel and top off as appropriate.
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posted Sep 24, 2008 2:57 PM by Larry Kiernan
A smarter, leaner new prototype of Stop & Shop will be the anchor development
in the new mixed-use Wayland Town Center, the developers announced
Wednesday.
The regionally headquartered supermarket company signed a 20-year lease
as the anchor tenant, setting the tone for the new center, which will feature a
pedestrian-friendly main street layout with high end shops, cafes, walkways,
offices, condos and open spaces at the junction of route 20 and 27.
Due to break ground this fall with demolition, site work and construction
continuing throughout the year, some stores will open as early as the end of
2009 and a grand opening of the center is planned for the spring of 2010.
"We are thrilled at this announcement and look forward to working with
the other tenants who have joined the center as construction begins this fall,"
said Wayland Town Administrator Fred Turkington. The developer will contribute more than $400,000 to the town to assist in its
costs for consultants to perform peer review and give recommendations on
developer’s applications. The developer has also pledged a $3 million gift to
the town of Wayland and $250,000 toward the town’s bike path from Wayland’s
historic district on Route 27 to the project on Route 20. |
posted Sep 18, 2008 1:39 PM by Larry Kiernan
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updated Oct 18, 2008 10:23 AM
]
Take a look at the Town Crier Article One of the great things about walking and biking is that virtually everyone can participate—including young people who are unable to drive. Two national initiatives encourage young Americans to appreciate the joys and benefits of walking and biking.
Walk-to-School-Day is October 8 this year. Nearly 1,500 schools are participating from 48 states to encourage students to get to school without a car. Walk-to-School Day in the United States is part of international Walk-to-School Day, which involves more than three million walkers around the world.
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federal program to provide schools and communities with funds to establish infrastructure and programs that encourage students to walk or bike to school. This $612 million program has been extremely popular in engaged communities.
Visit Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Web site to read more about these programs, including tools to find out if your community participates in either initiative. |
posted Sep 18, 2008 8:14 AM by Larry Kiernan
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updated Sep 18, 2008 12:45 PM
]
Starting immediately, DCR is accepting applications from Friends groups and other park advocacy groups, civic and community organizations, institutions, businesses, and dedicated individuals with an interest in improving the Commonwealth’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources. During the remainder of fiscal year 2009, which ends June 30, 2009, DCR will allocate the $1.5 million in matching funds to capital projects proposed and partly funded by those groups and approved by agency officials. Applications for the matching funds are due by October 17, 2008, and DCR will decide which projects will receive matching funds by November 14, 2008. DCR will match projects dollar for dollar, and also will consider providing a two-to-one match for small projects to enable partners with a small base of financial support to see their projects come to fruition. For more information on the program, and to receive an application, call 617-626-4917, or send an e-mail to ethel.stafford@state.ma.us. Information and applications also are available at www.mass.gov/dcr. Full Press Release |
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