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Select Board to take lead on BWALT; asks manager for inventory and prioritization
Summary
After extended discussion about ownership, communication and grants, the Select Board voted to assume responsibility for the Boston–Worcester rail-trail process (BWALT), asked the town manager to inventory transportation and safety projects, and directed that new BWALT initiatives be brought to the Select Board for public review.
The Westborough Select Board spent an extended session debating the Boston–Worcester rail-trail (BWALT) and the role of the Active Transportation & Safety Committee (ATSC). Board members expressed concern that project ownership and communications were unclear after a recent joint meeting with the Planning Board and that opportunistic grant submissions (for example a MassTrails application) had proceeded without the Select Board’s awareness.
Select Board member Shelby proposed creating a public, open-meeting ad hoc committee to inventory and prioritize multimodal transportation projects across departments, with representatives from the select and planning boards, conservation, economic development, school committee and relevant town staff. The proposal emphasized public oversight, clearer communications and staff-led easement negotiations.
After debate on jurisdictional authority — including that the Planning Director reports to the Planning Board — the Select Board moved two actions: first, to ask the town manager to build an inventory of transportation and safety projects and present prioritized recommendations back to the Select Board; second, to continue Select Board responsibility for BWALT and request the Planning Board support ongoing initiatives and bring any new BWALT pursuits before the Select Board for review. Both items were moved, seconded and approved by the board.
Board members and staff clarified that opportunistic easement work tied to permitting should continue, that MassTrails and TIP grant opportunities are cyclical, and that responsibility for grant writing and DOT/TIP processes may fall to different departments (planning, DPW or EDC) depending on the funding source. The board asked that future grant initiatives be presented publicly to allow timely review and to avoid surprises.
Next steps: town manager will coordinate the inventory across departments and present prioritization recommendations to the Select Board before the board decides whether to form the ad hoc committee or change ATSC charge.
