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Conservation commission to require interactive video or agent inspection for Keolis commuter‑rail RDA
Summary
The commission continued a Keolis RDA and discussed options for verifying resource areas within the MBTA commuter rail right‑of‑way, including agent‑led virtual walkthroughs or staff qualification to enter the ROW.
The Southborough Conservation Commission continued a public hearing on a request for determination of applicability for work within the MBTA commuter‑rail right‑of‑way after the applicant’s representative asked to be continued to the next meeting.
Commission staff said the applicant, Keolis Commuter Services, requested the continuance and that the company’s representative, Matt Donovan, could not attend. The commission discussed whether the town could conduct a required site inspection within the active rail right‑of‑way.
Commissioners and staff described prior practices where consultants and railroad employees scheduled site visits during gaps in train movements, attached a signaling device to rails to create a safe window for inspection, and allowed the commission’s agent or members to walk the ROW. Several members said Keolis would not permit traditional access this time and preferred to rely on the company’s imagery and representations.
Commissioner Joe (conservation agent) outlined options: refuse to proceed without a physical inspection; require the applicant to provide photos or recorded video from specified locations; train a commission member to qualify for ROW access; or conduct a live, interactive video call (Zoom) so the agent can direct the camera to particular areas. Commissioners favored the interactive video approach so the agent could ask on‑the‑spot questions and avoid unnecessary site visits that could raise safety concerns.
The commission asked the agent to coordinate with Keolis on scheduling an interactive field call (Zoom) timed around train movements and invited other commissioners to join if available. The commission then voted to continue the public hearing to the July 10 meeting per the applicant’s request.
The commission recorded a roll‑call yes vote to continue the hearing and directed staff to coordinate the virtual inspection and to request any additional imagery needed to confirm resource‑area boundaries prior to the continued hearing.
