Peninsula Trail Phase 2

Coming up

• Sat, Oct 17 Special Town Meeting at Trottier Middle School Golf Committee, Community Preservation Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Advisory Committee, Select Board, Trails Committee, Planning Board, Wastewater Study Committee, Elementary School Building Committee Peninsula Trail Phase 2 · mentioned Oct 13
• Sat, Oct 17 Trails Committee informational table and meeting at Special Town Meeting Trails Committee Peninsula Trail Phase 2 · mentioned Oct 8

Votes

Every time it came up newest first

1. Thu, Oct 8 · Trails Committee

   Peninsula Trail footbridge FAQ and Town Meeting presentation

   Members reviewed a detailed two-page FAQ document and planned their five-minute slide presentation for Special Town Meeting. Discussion focused on highlighting pedestrian safety along Route 30, project costs, potential grant offsets, and clarifying that without CPA funding the project cannot proceed.

   • The project has a maximum budget of 428,550 dollars, consisting of 324,056 dollars in core costs, a 41,250-dollar escalation allowance, and a 63,250-dollar contingency.
   • Securing a 100,000-dollar MassTrails grant and avoiding contingency use would reduce net CPA spending to 265,300 dollars.
   • Article 4 requests 217,318 dollars in additional CPA open space/recreation funds along with repurposing 211,232 dollars from prior authorizations.
   • The committee agreed to incorporate a roadside video demonstrating traffic hazards on Route 30 where the trail currently ends.
   • Members emphasized framing the project as an essential pedestrian safety solution rather than debating legal town liability.

   Outcome: FAQ finalized for online posting and printing; presentation outline agreed upon.

   Watch at 6:25 · See the whole meeting

2. Thu, Oct 8 · Community Preservation Committee

   Peninsula Trail Fall Town Meeting warrant article

   The committee discussed whether to modify or postpone the warrant article requesting 217,318 dollars in additional Community Preservation Act funds for the Peninsula Trail pedestrian bridge, bringing total project costs to 428,550 dollars. Members debated a potential floor amendment that would have eliminated the project contingency to reduce the request to 25,000 dollars, but the committee decided against scaling back the project.

   • Select Board and Advisory Committee members raised concerns about the estimated 5,000 dollar per foot bridge cost.
   • Trails Committee representatives presented an alternative bare-bones budget of 324,050 dollars that removed almost all construction contingency.
   • A committee member agreed to present and move the article on the Town Meeting floor.
   • The committee voted 3-2 to support moving the article forward to Town Meeting as printed.

   Outcome: Passed 3-2 to keep the article as printed for the October 17 Fall Special Town Meeting.

   Watch at 0:30 · See the whole meeting

3. Thu, Oct 8 · Trails Committee

   CPC meeting recap and Warrant Article 4 strategy

   The chair reported on discussions with the Community Preservation Committee earlier that evening regarding Warrant Article 4 for the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The committee opted against offering a floor amendment to adjust funding requests after CPC members felt it would create confusion on the Town Meeting floor.

   • A proposed floor amendment to repurpose 211,000 dollars previously approved plus 25,000 dollars was dropped after CPC pushed back.
   • CPC voted 3-2 to support the footbridge project at Town Meeting, with two members preferring to delay until spring.
   • Trails Committee agreed to proceed with Warrant Article 4 as originally drafted for Special Town Meeting.

   Outcome: Floor amendment dropped; committee will present the article as written.

   Watch at 0:20 · See the whole meeting

4. Tue, Oct 6 · Advisory Committee

   Article 4: Peninsula Trail bridge funding request

   The committee edited its report on Article 4, which requests an additional $217,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds on top of an existing $211,000 appropriation, bringing the total project cost to $428,550. The funds would cover a 65-foot prefabricated bridge parallel to Route 30 crossing a brook, with an estimated bridge cost of roughly $5,000 per linear foot ($320,000 total). While acknowledging safety concerns and supporting trail completion, the committee unanimously opposes the appropriation due to excessive cost.

   • Requests $217,000 additional CPA funds, increasing total project cost to $428,550
   • Funds a 65-foot prefabricated bridge parallel to Route 30 crossing a brook
   • Bridge construction estimated at roughly $5,000 per foot ($320,000 total)
   • Boardwalk component was canceled in favor of a natural surface trail
   • Committee previously voted 0-7 against supporting the article

   Outcome: Report text edited to state the committee appreciates safety concerns but cannot support the project cost.

   Watch at 44:15 · See the whole meeting

5. Thu, Oct 1 · Trails Committee

   Public outreach and Heritage Day planning

   Members discussed ways to publicize Town Meeting and the trail article to residents before voting day. Plans include setting up an informational table outside Town Meeting, borrowing promotional A-frame signs, and hosting a committee booth at Heritage Day.

   • Committee plans to borrow six A-frame signs from the Southborough Rotary Club to advertise Town Meeting and trail information.
   • Signs will be placed at high-visibility locations such as Town Hall, the library, and key roadway intersections.
   • The committee will host an informational booth at Heritage Day on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM to roughly 2:00 PM.
   • Members will staff an informational table outside the Town Meeting venue one hour prior to the meeting.

   Outcome: Members will coordinate sign printing and arrange booth staffing for Heritage Day.

   Watch at 1:25:30 · See the whole meeting

6. Thu, Oct 1 · Trails Committee

   Peninsula Trail Phase 2 Town Meeting funding strategy

   The committee held an extensive strategic debate on how to present Warrant Article 4 at the October 17 Special Town Meeting after receiving negative recommendation votes from the Select Board (1-4) and Advisory Committee (0-7). The chair proposed preparing a fallback floor amendment that would reallocate $211,000 in previously granted CPA funds exclusively to the pedestrian bridge, add only $25,000 in new CPA funds, and seek a $100,000 MassTrails grant to complete the approximately $330,000 bridge. Members debated whether floating alternative funding ideas publicly would weaken the main proposal, while also drafting an informational FAQ document addressing cost, connectivity, and environmental value.

   • The committee was granted a 5-minute presentation slot at Town Meeting for Article 4.
   • A proposed fallback amendment would repurpose $211,000 in existing CPA funds and request $25,000 in new CPA funds rather than the full $217,000 previously sought.
   • The pedestrian bridge would eliminate a hazardous pedestrian walk along Route 30 lacking shoulders and guardrails.
   • The bridge connects to regional systems including the 33-mile Boroughs Loop Trail, 230-mile Bay Circuit Trail, and the Aqueduct Trail.
   • Members discussed countering opposition arguments that CPA funds should be prioritized for athletic fields instead of trails.

   Outcome: The committee agreed to refine the voter FAQ sheet, add trail maps, and consult further with the Community Preservation Committee regarding floor amendment logistics.

   Watch at 18:15 · See the whole meeting

7. Thu, Sep 17 · Trails Committee

   Peninsula Trail Phase 2 CPA funding and Town Meeting strategy

   The chair reported that both the Select Board and Advisory Committee voted not to support the warrant article requesting additional Community Preservation Act funds for the Peninsula Trail Phase 2 pedestrian bridge, citing high project costs in a tight budget year. The committee discussed voter education efforts over the next 30 days before the October 17 Town Meeting, emphasizing that the bridge completes connectivity among three regional trails and provides off-road pedestrian access for the Pine Hill neighborhood. Members also weighed a fallback plan to ask Town Meeting to extend the expiration of existing $211,000 CPA funds past November 2026 to December 2029.

   • The project cost is estimated around $325,000 base cost, or $428,000 including contingency and cost escalators required for state trail standards.
   • The town holds $211,000 in existing CPA funds appropriated in 2024 that are scheduled to sunset in November 2026 if unspent.
   • Committee plans to create informational FAQ sheets and video segments with Southborough Access Media.
   • Members discussed seeking a MassTrails grant in February 2027 if local matching funds can be preserved.
   • Annual or special Town Meeting is scheduled for October 17, 2026.

   Outcome: Committee agreed to conduct public outreach and prepare an article amendment with the Community Preservation Committee to extend existing funding.

   Watch at 20:25 · See the whole meeting

8. Thu, Sep 17 · Trails Committee

   Peninsula Trail bog bridge installation project

   The committee coordinated a volunteer workday with trail groups to install bog bridges along wet sections of the Peninsula Trail. The structures will protect trail users from mud and poison ivy while minimizing ground disturbance.

   • Workday scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, from roughly 9:00 AM to early afternoon.
   • Partnership with Appalachian Mountain Club and Bay Circuit Trail volunteers, including seven confirmed workers.
   • Committee members arranged transport of lumber to the staging site prior to the workday.

   Outcome: Workday set for October 2, 2026.

   Watch at 15:40 · See the whole meeting

9. Wed, Sep 16 · Advisory Committee

   Article 4: CPA funding for Peninsula Trail footbridge

   The Trails Committee sought a supplemental CPA appropriation of $217,318 to construct a 65-foot prefabricated pedestrian footbridge along Route 30 to connect two sections of the Peninsula Trail. Committee members expressed sticker shock at the total project cost of $428,550 and questioned contingency percentages and alternative crossings before voting unanimously against recommending approval.

   • Requests $217,318 in CPA funds, adding to $211,232 previously approved for a total of $428,550.
   • Funds a 65-foot modular bridge crossing a stream over MWRA property.
   • Budget includes a 15 percent cost escalation allowance and a 20 percent construction contingency.
   • Trails Committee representative explained the bridge has a 75-year lifespan and requires modular installation due to site access limits.

   Outcome: Motion to recommend approval failed 0-7, resulting in a recommendation to not support.

   Watch at 39:00 · See the whole meeting

10. Tue, Sep 15 · Select Board and Advisory Committee

    CPA request for Peninsula Trail pedestrian bridge

    The Trails Committee and Community Preservation Committee presented an article requesting $217,318 in additional CPA funds for a 65-foot prefabricated pedestrian bridge along the Peninsula Trail on the Framingham border. The initial 2024 appropriation of $211,232 was insufficient after bids came in significantly higher than expected, leading to a redesigned, smaller project scope with a total estimated cost of $428,550. Several Advisory Committee and Select Board members criticized the cost and questioned whether municipal recreation funds should take priority over operating budget strains.

    • Requested an additional $217,318 in CPA funding, bringing total project cost to $428,550.
    • Covers a 65-foot prefabricated fiberglass-reinforced polymer bridge along Route 30.
    • Original scope included a boardwalk and paving, but those were removed or funded separately.
    • Trails Committee plans to apply for a $100,000 MassTrails grant in 2027 to partially reimburse funds.
    • Advisory Committee member Al Hamilton called the project a bridge to nowhere.

    Outcome: Select Board voted 1-4 against supporting the warrant article.

    Watch at 58:15 · See the whole meeting

11. Mon, Sep 14 · Community Preservation Committee

    Peninsula Trail footbridge warrant article

    The committee reviewed Town Counsel redlines on the draft warrant article requesting supplemental Community Preservation Act funds for the Peninsula Trail footbridge. Members decided against Town Counsel advice to strip out specific project conditions, choosing to retain clauses governing contingency spending, a December 30, 2029 completion deadline, and a requirement to seek matching MassTrails Grant funds. Historical cost information was moved into the article summary to keep the main article text clear.

    • Requests $217,318 from the FY2027 CPA Fund Balance, consisting of $140,370 in project costs and $76,948 in contingency.
    • Total funding appropriated across Town Meeting votes for the footbridge reaches $428,550 ($324,050 in project costs and $104,500 in contingency).
    • Includes a requirement that the Trails Committee apply for MassTrails Grant matching funds to reimburse the CPA account.
    • Sets a project completion deadline of December 30, 2029, with unused funds returning to the CPA fund balance unless an extension is granted.
    • Retains committee oversight language requiring formal approval before contingency funds can be accessed.

    Outcome: Approved as amended with minor language adjustments.

    Watch at 0:23 · See the whole meeting

12. Thu, Sep 10 · Trails Committee

    Town Meeting outreach video and guided trail hikes

    Members discussed partnering with Southborough Access Media to produce a short promotional video explaining the Peninsula Trail and the bridge project before Town Meeting. The committee also planned guided public hikes to show residents the proposed bridge location and trail route, tentatively setting a hike for October 3 with a Department of Conservation and Recreation ranger. Attendance for the hike will be capped at 30 people to ensure safety and manageability.

    • Collaboration planned with Southborough Access Media for a 3-minute video
    • Guided public hike targeted for Saturday, October 3, 2026
    • Hike participant registration capped at 30 people
    • AMC volunteers may help install bog bridges on October 2, 2026

    Outcome: Committee agreed to proceed with video planning and pursue October 3 hike date

    Watch at 9:43 · See the whole meeting

13. Thu, Sep 10 · Trails Committee

    Peninsula Trail Phase 2 CPA funding application

    The chair reported that the Community Preservation Committee unanimously voted to support the Phase 2 CPA application on September 8. The application covers construction of a pedestrian bridge to close a critical trail gap, accounting for cost escalation and contingency while netting out previously unspent funds returned from Phase 1. The proposal next goes to the Select Board and the Advisory Committee ahead of the October 17 Special Town Meeting.

    • Unspent Phase 1 funds of $44,600 from an original $47,000 were returned to the CPA fund
    • Bridge construction estimate is approximately $275,000, with a net request of roughly $217,000
    • Includes a 15 percent cost escalation adder and contingency for unforeseen construction conditions
    • Select Board review scheduled for September 15, 2026
    • Headed to Special Town Meeting on October 17, 2026

    Outcome: CPC supported application; moving to Select Board and Town Meeting

    Watch at 3:06 · See the whole meeting

14. Tue, Sep 8 · Community Preservation Committee

    Peninsula Trail footbridge CPA application and warrant article

    The committee evaluated the Southborough Trails Committee's updated application to fund the completion of the Peninsula Trail footbridge. Members discussed budget figures, contingency percentages, and the draft warrant article for the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The article requests additional funding of roughly $216,000 to supplement previously approved CPA funds, with terms stipulating that any awarded MassTrails grant money would reimburse the town's CPA fund balance.

    • Base construction quote updated to $275,000 for the footbridge structure.
    • Total footbridge allocation reaches approximately $427,500 when combined with previously authorized 2024 CPA funds.
    • Trails Committee Chair reported a minor $1,050 increase in construction phase project management services.
    • Warrant article language was clarified to indicate that only the footbridge remains to be built with CPA funds and to set project completion terms through December 30, 2029.
    • The committee voted 5-0 to officially support bringing the article to Special Town Meeting.

    Outcome: Application supported by a 5-0 vote; revised draft warrant article will be forwarded to town counsel for review.

    Watch at 0:25 · See the whole meeting

15. Thu, Aug 27 · Trails Committee

    Peninsula Trail Phase II CPA grant application

    The committee reviewed the final draft of its Community Preservation Act application for the Peninsula Trail footbridge project before the September 15 deadline. The total project cost of $466,628 requests $210,796 in new CPA funding, combined with repurposing $211,232 and $44,600 from previous Town Meeting appropriations. The committee discussed Community Preservation Committee feedback regarding bridge construction estimates derived from a 65/35 split of previous bids, as well as plans to produce an informational video with Southborough Access Media.

    • Total CPA funding request is $466,628 for the pedestrian footbridge.
    • Includes $210,796 in new CPA funds and repurposing $255,832 in previously approved CPA funds.
    • Budget includes $345,440 for bridge construction, $34,800 for project management by Pare Corp, $12,500 for engineering support by VHB, and $68,888 in contingency.
    • Final application deadline is September 15 for the October Town Meeting warrant.

    Outcome: Application finalized to submit to the Community Preservation Committee, with upcoming appearances planned before the Select Board and Advisory Committee.

    Watch at 3:07 · See the whole meeting

16. Tue, Aug 25 · Community Preservation Committee

    Peninsula Trail footbridge project scope and budget revisions

    The Trails Committee chair presented a revised application for the Peninsula Trail connection after bids for the original boardwalk and bridge design significantly exceeded budget. The project scope has been narrowed to construct only the prefabricated pedestrian footbridge, eliminating the boardwalk component, resulting in a revised project budget of $466,628. The committee is requesting an additional $210,796 in new CPA funding, continuation of $211,232 previously approved in 2024, and reallocation of approximately $44,600 in leftover funds from Phase 1.

    • Revised total project cost is $466,628, including a 20 percent construction contingency of $63,071.
    • Request includes $210,796 in new CPA funds, reallocating $44,600 from Phase 1, and continuing $211,232 from 2024.
    • The project will use construction-phase project management services rather than a full statutory Owner's Project Manager.
    • The Trails Committee plans to apply for a 2027 MassTrails grant to potentially offset town CPA expenditures if awarded.
    • The sunset clause date requested for fund expenditure is December 31, 2028.

    Outcome: No vote was taken; the committee will consult Town Counsel on how to structure the warrant article regarding prior appropriations and vote on September 8.

    Watch at 1:35:40 · See the whole meeting

17. Mon, Aug 3 · Community Preservation Committee

    Peninsula Trail footbridge application revision

    The Trails Committee chair presented a revised CPA application for the Peninsula Trail footbridge connection. The updated application increases the project total cost and CPA funding request to cover construction phase administration and project management.

    • Total project cost is revised to $471,828, with the new CPA funding request set at $215,596.
    • The revision adds $40,000 for construction-phase administration services to meet town project management requirements.
    • A 20 percent contingency was added to the construction cost portion only.
    • The footbridge design anticipates a 75-year lifespan for the modular structure, though decking maintenance would vary depending on whether wood or fiberglass polymer is selected.
    • The Trails Committee plans to apply for a $100,000 state MassTrails grant in February to offset town costs.

    Outcome: The Trails Committee will provide additional documentation regarding cost estimation methodology and maintenance projections ahead of the next meeting.

    Watch at 47:30 · See the whole meeting

18. Tue, Jul 21 · Community Preservation Committee

    Peninsula Trail pedestrian footbridge funding

    The Southborough Trails Committee presented a revised funding request for the Peninsula Trail connection footbridge over the reservoir channel. Following bid openings that exceeded initial expectations, the committee eliminated the planned boardwalk component in favor of an upland trail and adjusted the overall bridge budget to $434,328. The committee is asking to apply the remaining balance of prior appropriations and seek $178,496 in additional CPA funding, with plans to seek a 2027 MassTrails grant to offset costs.

    • Revised total bridge project budget is $434,328, requiring an additional $178,496 in CPA funds.
    • The boardwalk was removed from the project scope to reduce construction costs, leaving only the pedestrian footbridge.
    • Trails Committee requested extending the project authorization deadline to December 2028 to pursue grant funding.
    • The committee plans to apply for up to $100,000 from the 2027 MassTrails grant program.
    • Work involves an MWRA 8M permit across public watershed land.

    Outcome: Continued without a vote pending clarification on warrant article wording and project scope descriptions.

    Watch at 1:26:49 · See the whole meeting

19. Thu, Jul 16 · Trails Committee

    CPA application for Peninsula Trail footbridge

    The committee reviewed and edited its Community Preservation Act (CPA) application seeking additional town funding for the Peninsula Trail pedestrian footbridge across Stony Brook. After dropping an expensive boardwalk component, the committee is requesting an additional $226,096 to add to its previously approved $211,232 appropriation, bringing the total project budget to $437,328.

    • Total project estimate is $437,328, including $346,440 for bridge fabrication and construction, $12,500 for engineering oversight by Beals and Thomas, and a 20 percent contingency of $72,888.
    • Town Meeting previously authorized $211,232 in 2024, leaving an additional request of $226,096 in CPA funds.
    • The application requests extending the spending authorization deadline through December 2028 to allow for potential state grant matching.
    • Committee agreed to specify wood decking for the bridge rather than fiber-reinforced polymer to reduce costs and avoid static electricity concerns.
    • A presentation before the Community Preservation Committee is scheduled for July 21.

    Outcome: Application draft revised; committee will present to the Community Preservation Committee on July 21 ahead of fall Special Town Meeting.

    Watch at 9:55 · See the whole meeting

20. Thu, Jul 16 · Trails Committee

    Peninsula Trail Phase 1 update and MassTrails site visit

    The chair reported on an impromptu site visit conducted with MassTrails grant program administrators representing the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Officials toured the completed Phase 1 trailheads, fencing, signage, and the proposed bridge site, and discussed options for applying for grant funding in future cycles.

    • State grant administrators toured the Central Street trailhead and the proposed bridge location over Stony Brook.
    • Officials noted that high contractor bids exceeding initial project budgets have been a common issue across Massachusetts trail projects.
    • The committee is preparing to apply for another round of MassTrails grant funding in February 2027.
    • The committee is assembling a project closeout video highlighting accessible use of the completed Phase 1 trail section.

    Outcome: Site visit completed; committee moving forward with closeout documentation and planning a future grant application.

    Watch at 1:35 · See the whole meeting

21. Tue, Jun 30 · Recreation Commission

    Peninsula Trail CPC project update

    Trails Committee Chair Kathryn McKee presented an update on the Peninsula Trail, explaining that Phase 1 accessible parking, fencing, and signage are wrapping up. For Phase 2, bids for both a boardwalk and bridge exceeded the budget, so the committee is focusing its Community Preservation Act request on the bridge over the reservoir and rerouting the path onto a natural surface to bypass wetlands. The Recreation Commission voted unanimously to submit a letter of support for the Trails Committee's updated CPC application.

    • Phase 1 closed out with unspent CPC funds returned to the general pool after outside grant funding was secured.
    • Bids for combined boardwalk and bridge exceeded available funds, prompting a bridge-only CPC proposal.
    • Trails Committee volunteers rerouted the trail around the wetland in early June.
    • The project connects to the 33-mile Boroughs Loop Trail, the Aqueduct Trail, and the Bay Circuit Trail.

    Outcome: Voted 3-0 to approve a letter of support for the Trails Committee's CPC application.

    Watch at 9:15 · See the whole meeting

22. Thu, Jun 25 · Conservation Commission

    Peninsula Trail bridge update and CPA support letter

    A representative from the Trails Committee updated the commission on the Peninsula Trail project connecting to the Fayville Dam and Boroughs Loop. Because previous bids came in over budget, the committee scaled back the scope to remove the wetland boardwalk and focus exclusively on the footbridge. The commission voted unanimously to issue a letter supporting the committee's upcoming Community Preservation Act application.

    • Project previously combined a bridge and boardwalk, but contractor bids were unaffordable.
    • The revised approach uses an upland trail detour, avoiding the boardwalk while keeping the bridge crossing.
    • Trails Committee will apply to the Community Preservation Committee and seek Town Meeting approval in the fall.
    • Work remains permitted under the existing active Notice of Intent.

    Outcome: Voted 5-0 to issue a letter of support for the CPA application.

    Watch at 1:20:10 · See the whole meeting

23. Thu, Jun 25 · Trails Committee

    Peninsula Trail Phase 2 CPC funding application

    The committee prepared its upcoming Community Preservation Committee application for Phase 2 of the Peninsula Trail. Following a trail rerouting during a June work party, the project will focus entirely on the bridge and abutments rather than a boardwalk. Using a formula of 65 percent of the highest vendor bid plus contingency and cost-escalation buffers, the committee estimated the total bridge project cost at approximately $440,000 to $450,000, which will request extending an existing $211,000 CPA appropriation and seeking additional town funds while pursuing state grant offsets.

    • The boardwalk component was eliminated after rerouting the trail onto dry ground.
    • Estimated bridge and abutment cost is roughly $305,000, rising to $440,000 to $450,000 with contingencies and anticipated price inflation into 2027.
    • The committee plans to request extensions and additional CPA funds at Fall Town Meeting.
    • MassTrails grant applications will be submitted in February to help offset CPA funding if awarded.
    • Draft application will be circulated to members on July 1 ahead of the July 2 submission deadline.

    Outcome: The chair will draft and submit the application by the July 2 deadline.

    Watch at 5:18 · See the whole meeting

24. Thu, Jun 25 · Trails Committee

    Boardwalk materials and conservation regulations

    The committee consulted with a guest regarding the materials used by the Southborough Open Land Foundation for a prior Eagle Scout boardwalk near Bigelow Road. The chair noted ongoing research into whether modern copper-based pressure-treated lumber is permissible near wetlands before presenting trail project specifications to the Conservation Commission.

    • Discussion touched on past Scout boardwalk construction on the Callender Trail.
    • Scouts had reportedly been advised to use cedar or non-pressure-treated wood near wetlands.
    • The chair is compiling modern treated wood specifications to discuss with the Conservation Commission.

    Outcome: Informational discussion with no formal action taken.

    Watch at 1:25 · See the whole meeting

25. Thu, Jun 11 · Community Preservation Committee

    Peninsula Trail project update

    The committee briefly addressed the Peninsula Trail project application. Discussion was deferred until the applicant and committee members can coordinate following a previously canceled meeting.

    • Project proponents will be invited to discuss the proposal at an upcoming committee meeting.

    Outcome: Discussion continued to the next meeting.

    Watch at 1:22:48 · See the whole meeting

26. Thu, Jun 11 · Trails Committee

    Peninsula Trail Phase 2 CPA funding application

    The chair gave an update on the upcoming Community Preservation Act application deadline for Phase 2 of the Peninsula Trail project. The committee is working to secure updated engineering quotes and stakeholder letters of support for the proposed bridge and boardwalk.

    • Application is due June 30, 2026.
    • Seeking an updated scope and quote from engineering firm Beals and Thomas for bid preparation and construction oversight.
    • Collecting updated letters of support from town boards and state entities.
    • Exploring wood decking instead of composite decking on the prefabricated bridge structure to contain costs.

    Outcome: Chair will continue compiling application materials ahead of a June 25 review meeting.

    Watch at 56:36 · See the whole meeting

27. Thu, Jun 11 · Trails Committee

    Trail work party logistics and safety

    Members finalized logistics for an upcoming trail maintenance work party scheduled for Saturday morning. Volunteer work will focus on building out a new section of natural surface trail and clearing brush and poison ivy from two older segments.

    • Work party scheduled for Saturday, June 13, starting at 8:00 AM.
    • Sanofi granted permission for volunteer vehicle parking along Route 30.
    • Amber Stearns, trail coordinator for AMC and the Bay Circuit Trail, will attend to supervise trail building.
    • Volunteers will be supplied with Tyvek suits and washing stations due to prevalent poison ivy along parts of the trail.

    Outcome: Logistics finalized for the Saturday work session.

    Watch at 45:00 · See the whole meeting

28. Thu, Jun 11 · Trails Committee

    Peninsula Trail signage and wayfinding

    The committee evaluated signage and trail markers needed along the Peninsula Trail and its overlap with the Boroughs Loop and Aqueduct trails. Because much of the corridor follows an open MWRA access road without nearby trees, members discussed how to mark routes without cluttering the path or obstructing maintenance mowers.

    • Identified the need for an entry welcome sign near the ADA parking area off Boston Road.
    • Discussed installing low quarter-mile marker posts similar to cross-country running trail markers.
    • Noted the need for directional arrows where trails diverge from MWRA restricted service areas.
    • Considered utilizing existing metal fence posts and aluminum signs to avoid digging unnecessary post holes.

    Outcome: Committee agreed to field-assess sign locations during the upcoming work party before purchasing additional posts.

    Watch at 19:00 · See the whole meeting

29. Mon, Jun 1 · Trails Committee

    Interpretive signage and June 13 volunteer work party

    Members discussed content for an additional interpretive sign and coordinated details for an upcoming volunteer work day. The committee will partner with Appalachian Mountain Club and Bay Circuit Trail volunteers to clear and construct trail around the planned boardwalk section.

    • Draft interpretive sign content will be circulated to committee members ahead of the next meeting.
    • A volunteer trail-building work party is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, starting around 9:00 AM.
    • Work will focus on the trail section adjacent to where the boardwalk was originally planned.

    Outcome: Work party scheduled for June 13 at 9:00 AM.

    Watch at 28:33 · See the whole meeting

30. Mon, Jun 1 · Trails Committee

    CPA application strategy for trail bridge and boardwalk

    The committee discussed its Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding request due June 30 for Fall Town Meeting. Bids received in December revealed that constructing both the bridge and boardwalk would cost approximately $630,000 with escalations and contingencies, exceeding available funds. The committee reached consensus to apply only for the bridge portion, which requires roughly $145,000 to $189,000 in additional funds above the town's existing commitments.

    • The project has $211,000 committed from Phase 2 and approximately $44,000 remaining from Phase 1.
    • Total bridge construction is estimated at $410,000 after factoring in a 40% buffer for cost escalation and contingency.
    • A full bridge and boardwalk project was estimated to cost around $630,000.
    • Members decided to pursue bridge funding alone and plan to seek MassTrails grant funding to offset local costs.
    • Letters of support will be requested from the Recreation Commission, MWRA, and the Appalachian Mountain Club/Bay Circuit Trail.

    Outcome: Consensus reached to submit a CPA application for the bridge only by the June 30 deadline.

    Watch at 1:50 · See the whole meeting

31. Thu, May 21 · Community Preservation Committee

    Peninsula Trail Phase 1 closeout and Phase 2 scope

    The Trails Committee discussed the closeout of Peninsula Trail Phase 1 and options for Phase 2 construction across wetlands. Phase 2 costs have risen significantly, prompting discussion about whether to build both a bridge and a boardwalk or scale back to a bridge with an upland workaround trail.

    • Phase 1 has roughly $40,000 in unspent funds that will be returned to the general CPA fund balance upon closeout.
    • Prior contractor bids for the combined bridge and boardwalk came in between $427,600 and $448,000, which with inflation and contingencies could exceed $600,000.
    • Phase 2 currently has $211,000 allocated, leaving a potential funding gap of over $350,000 for the full design.
    • Trails Committee volunteers have scheduled trail work in June to explore an upland walking route around the wetland as an alternative to the boardwalk.
    • Committee members discussed whether the Department of Public Works or the Town Engineer should assist volunteer boards with technical project oversight.

    Outcome: The Trails Committee will consult its full membership on project scope and return to the CPC with recommended next steps.

    Watch at 44:30 · See the whole meeting