Show All Answers

1. What is the Boroughs Loop Trail and why should you care about helping to close the gap?

The Boroughs Loop Trail (BLT) is a 33-mile loop that connects the trail networks of Marlborough, Northborough, Westborough and Southborough initiated by the Marlborough Economic Development Commission.

This project was proposed to "strengthen the trails and greenways of the region as a means to make the Boroughs a more attractive and desirable location for employers, their employees and residents." (BLT Feasibility Study, January 2013 [PDF])

The project is a collaborative effort including a mix of municipalities, non-profits, land trusts, and state agencies.

Southborough committed to doing its part to open this section of trail and this initiative is helping to fulfill the town's commitment.

2. How much would it cost to build this trail from scratch (for example if there was no existing access road and Southborough wanted to invest in building a new trail)?

Rough estimate: $245,000 to $292,000 (excluding equipment rental)

Sources:

• Department of Public Works cost to pave 0.6-mile surface, approximately 10 to 12 feet wide, 3-inch asphalt: $115,000 (rough estimate)
• Reading, MA Ipswich River Greenway Feasibility Study: $25 per linear foot to build a dirt trail
• Santa Rosa, CA (PDF): $25 per linear foot estimate to build a dirt/soft trail
• Appalachian Mountain Club: $16 to $25 per mile depending on project (excluding equipment rental)

3. Are you seeking other funding sources?

Yes, the committee will be leveraging CPA funds as matching funds for a 2022 Mass Trails Recreation Grant Proposal. Funds from the MassTrails grants will only apply if the Committee is awarded a grant.

Bottom Line: The CPA funds will be used as matching funds to apply for a grant to fund a larger project as outlined in question Number 4 below. If no grant is awarded, the CPA funds will be used to complete the original CPA project as proposed in the CPA application.

4. How will the project expand if the Trails Committee can leverage CPA funds for a MassTrails Grant?

A few possible options to expand the project where additional funds can be used:

• Installation of crosswalk at Central and Route30 for safe crossing (plus other trail crosswalk improvements throughout town)
• Expand historical signage at key locations along the trail throughout town
• Evaluate trail for accessibility compatibility (e.g., moving gate, accessible parking, address slope issues) (pending approvals)
• Add a boardwalk and foot bridge to bypass the section of trail proposed along a dangerous section of Route30 (near Southborough/Framingham town line) where the trail intersects with the Bay Circuit Trail (pending approvals)
• Trees to create a natural screen for trail neighbors near 142 Boston Post Road

5. Why is Southborough being asked to install a fence around this structure? What is the purpose of the fence?

• The riser shaft is important Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water infrastructure and needs to be secured before the area can be opened to the public
• Requiring fencing is standard requirement for opening trails on these properties: See MWRA Aqueduct Trails FAQs: What physical improvements are required to allow public access
• MWRA services 61 communities, 3 million people, 5,500 business; fencing infrastructure is a requirement to help protect the drinking water of millions of people

6. Why is the fence so expensive (I can put up a fence in my backyard for $xx)?

• This is not the same fence that one would install for a residential property
• The proposed fence fits the required Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) specifications
• Costs of building products (e.g., steel) have increased due to COVID-19
• The use of prevailing wages are required for this project:
• Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) 30, Section 39M governs all public construction (including alterations, remodeling, etc.), and all projects are subject to prevailing wages, regardless of total project cost. This would apply to any labor related to any portion of the project.
• In addition to local vendor recommendations, we used the MA Supplier Diversity Office, Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) directory of certified businesses to identify possible fence contractors.
• We obtained three fence quotes (one SDP certified vendor); reached out to eight fence vendors.

7. What is the town’s liability if the town pays to install the fence?

The Committee confirmed that the town is covered for liability via its existing insurance policy. We would need to include a standard sign on the fence indicating the following: no trespassing/no climbing/private property.

8. What style of signage is being considered?

• See picture for example and application for proposed specs (and more photos)
• Single and double powder coated aluminum post signs
• The committee obtained three quotes
• The sign vendor of the quote included in the application was recommended by the Town of Ashland (and another a sign vendor who has been contracted by two Southborough Committees)

9. What outreach are you doing to connect with the trail neighbors?

A phased approach is underway to reach out to the trail neighbors to inform them of the public opening of the access road, to ask for their input, and to address any questions:

• Phase I: connect with trail neighbors who reside closest to the trail
• Phase II: reach out to other trail neighbors in the vicinity
• Review the Abutter Notice (PDF)

10. Can I walk my dog on this trail?

• Although we love our furry friends, no dogs are allowed on Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) property within the Sudbury Reservoir watershed. This applies to trails throughout town.
• Dogs are allowed at Beals Preserve, Breakneck Hill Conservation Land, and the Town Forest. Even on these properties, all dog waste must be packed out. The poop fairy is not real and will not retrieve the bags you leave behind.
• The reservoir serves as backup drinking water and strict regulations are in place to help keep the watershed and water clean and free of pollutants.
• "Pet waste poses a serious threat to water quality as it is full of bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to people and wildlife, and nutrients that can cause harmful algal blooms." DCR Educational Flyer
• "Dogs are fed processed foods or people food that results in an excess of nutrients in their waste and the environment. Wild animals on watershed property consume natural sources from the ecosystem and return nature to nature in their waste." DCR Public Advisory

11. Will there be parking?

Yes. Currently, 3 to 4 cars can park at the gate at 142 Boston Road (intersection Route30 and Central Street) without blocking the gate.

Parking is also available along Central Street, near Fayville park (short walk to trailhead).

Parking may be available across from Stony Brook Road at a commercial site once proper permission is obtained.