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Red Mountain Trail rerouted to rail bed after easement terms stall; commission schedules open‑space inspections
Summary
The commission reported shifting the Red Mountain Trail alignment to a rail‑bed route after Eversource required terms the city could not accept; members also scheduled an open‑space inspection (Dec. 11) to review Albert Park fragments and other city parcels.
The Torrington Conservation Commission discussed two infrastructure and stewardship updates Nov. 25: the Red Mountain Trail routing and scheduling open‑space inspections.
Red Mountain Trail: Staff said negotiations with Eversource over an easement failed when Eversource insisted on language allowing it to require removal of improvements at will, which the city could not accept. As a result, the project team shifted the trail alignment to use an existing rail bed; staff said that route reduces easement complexity and grading needs, requires Planning & Zoning sign‑off and design work, and should simplify wetlands permitting. Staff also reported submitting a planning grant application for a bridge over the Naugatuck and aims to complete design paperwork and renew any necessary extensions through the grant process by winter 2026.
Open‑space inspections: The commission agreed to schedule open‑space inspections for several city parcels (fragments of Albert Park and adjacent properties) and provisionally set Dec. 11 as a mid‑day inspection with a meeting point near the imaging/cancer center parking area.
Why it matters: Rerouting to the rail bed keeps the trail project moving while avoiding long easement negotiations and preserves options for funding a pedestrian bridge. Inspections will help the commission assess stewardship needs across several smaller city open‑space parcels.
What’s next: Staff will complete Planning & Zoning filings for the revised Red Mountain Trail segment, pursue design and grant steps, and confirm the Dec. 11 open‑space inspection logistics.
