WAKEFIELD DAILY ITEM
PAGE 1
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2006
By PETER ROSSI
WAKEFIELD - Work is already underway using a $30,000 state appropriation for a feasibility study for the Reedy Meadow recreational pathway running along the old spur railroad line through Wakefield and Lynnfield.
Representatives from both communities and members of the trail committees recently meet at Town Manager Thomas Butlers office to determine what parameters the study will encompass.
Funding for the study was approved last June, as part of the state's Supplemental Budget passed by the Legislature. The $30,000 will come in the form of a reimbursement after work is completed.
Estimated costs for initial stages of the project include a $100,000 environmental liability insurance premium and $500,000 for design.
Selectman Albert Turco, a member of the Wakefield Rail-to-Trail committee, said none of the work will be accomplished with funding from either town. He anticipates state grants, earmarks and possible federal funding will be used for the project. "Not a penny will come from town funding," he emphasized.
Organizers are looking at a 50 percent state subsidy to pay for half of the insurance costs, with Wakefield and Lynnfield sharing $25,000 each through a not-for-profit corporation that will be established for fundraising efforts.
Under the preliminary plan Wakefield and Lynnfield would be responsible for $250,000 each of the design costs, with the funds coming from potential state earmarks.
Community involvement will be a key aspect of the project to turn the 4.5 mile rail spur into a bicycle and recreational use trail.
One meeting in the early stages of the study will help ensure that all relevant issues have been identified.
A meeting toward the end of the study will provide a forum to review draft findings.
Other trails, proposed or existing, with which this potential project may connect - such as the Border to Boston and the Northern Strand - will also be discussed.
The feasibility study will also make a determination of potential locations for trail support facilities such as parking lots, bicycle racks, and trailside rest areas; information on environmental permitting; and the identification, description and mapping of potential major generators of and destinations for trail users. Generators and destinations include transportation connections such as the commuter rail stations, recreation facilities, schools, and shopping and employment areas.
The group will seek to negotiate a hold-harmless long-range lease with the MBTA to use the old rail line.
In July the Legislature restored language Senator Richard R. Tisei inserted in the Economic Stimulus bill to shield communities pursuing rail-trail projects from potential liability for site contamination.
Tisei's plan sets aside $500,000 to help cities and towns obtain policies with coverage limits of at least $3 million per incident and a deductible of up to $50,000 per incident, for a term of at least five years.
The planned bicycle/pedestrian pathway will follow the rail corridor that runs from the Junction on Main. Street in Wakefield near the Galvin Middle School to the intersection of Water and Vernon streets. It will then continue into Lynnfield and extend another 2.5 miles to the Lynnfield/Peabody border.
Because the frail will run along former MBTA train routes, local officials are concerned the project costs could increase due to possible site contamination from oil and other chemicals. One of Tisei's chief priorities was making sure Wakefield and Lynnfield can minimize their exposure to any possible liability claims.
With the liability, issue resolved, the two towns should now be able to move forward to work out the necessary lease agreements with the MBTA. Both communities are seeking a 99-year lease agreement at a cost of $1 per town.
There are so many positive benefits associated with this project, not only for the environment, but also for the local economy and for the residents who will be now be able to enjoy enhanced recreational opportunities," Tisei said when the measure was passed.
"This represents a significant victory for the towns of Wakefield and Lynnfield," the local lawmaker added. "I look forward to continuing to work with both communities to help bring this important project to a successful completion."