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Design review maps trail gaps; Bigalow land and quiet rural roads eyed for connectors
Summary
Committee members reviewed a town trail map and discussed closing three major trail gaps, including potential use of roughly 200 acres of Bigalow family land for connectors; members noted ADA and right-of-way constraints and recommended further mapping and partnership work.
At the May 13 meeting the design review committee reviewed a draft trail map and discussed strategies to close three remaining major trail gaps connecting existing segments across town.
A committee member who assembled the map described options to link existing trails and to use adjacent rural roads where feasible; participants flagged a blind corner on Green Street as a safety constraint for bike lanes. The group discussed a roughly 200-acre parcel owned by the Bigalow family that is in forestry protection and could provide a long connector if preserved or negotiated for public access.
Members noted practical constraints: some trails and connectors would require easements or agreements with private landowners, and federal/state grant requirements can force paved/ADA-compliant surfaces on certain projects. The committee saw economic and recreational benefits if a long loop could be completed and suggested coordinating with the trail committee and regional partners to pursue grants and land-protection conversations.
Next steps: committee members will refine the map, identify priority connectors and opportunities for grant-funded work, and coordinate with town staff on potential talks with landowners and trail partners.
