Trail easement delays, trust disputes surface at Westborough open‑space forum

Comments from long‑time local volunteers and land‑trust representatives turned attention to a recurring theme: stalled trail projects and unclear easement practices. A participant described past plans for an extensive trail network, including the Burrows Loop and Charm Bracelet, that he said have been "promptly forgotten." The speaker said policy changes and a shift in town easement practices have slowed or delayed crucial easement grants needed to complete trails.

Wayne Fiden acknowledged coordination gaps and recommended formal partner agreements and annual meetings. He said the plan lists annual meetings and MOUs as a priority to clarify responsibilities among the town, Westborough Land Trust, Sudbury Valley Trustees and other partners.

A Westborough Community Land Trust representative said the town had previously accepted an agreement making the trust the trail steward but then failed to follow it. The speaker said the trust was not consistently notified when trails were removed or when maintenance issues were reported. He characterized the lapse as long‑running and said discussions with partner organizations had advanced to the point where some had considered legal action: "I've been in discussion with some of those organizations about potentially suing the town."

Consultant Fiden and staff framed the recommendation as process improvements — formal MOUs, clearer reporting channels and a convening party — rather than immediate policy reversal. No formal commitment or implementation timeline was recorded at the forum.