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Oak Bluffs Land Bank proposes to manage Old Back Road trail; town counsel requests indemnification changes
Summary
Oak Bluffs Land Bank told the Select Board it will take responsibility for maintenance of the Old Back Road walking path and keep it a six‑foot trail; town counsel requested stronger indemnification language and the agreement will return to the board on June 9 for final approval.
Representatives of the Oak Bluffs Land Bank presented a proposal on May 26 to assume maintenance of the Old Back Road path, describing it as a historic, well‑used route that would be preserved as a six‑foot walking trail.
Land Bank representatives Phil Cordella and Bill Veno told the Select Board the route is documented back to the 1700s and needs maintenance and wayfinding signs to keep users on the path. "This is not a new trail, documentation referenced old road back in the 1700's," Veno said.
Acting Town Administrator Brough said town counsel has proposed amendments focused on more robust indemnification language. Brough will add those amendments and share the revised agreement with the Land Bank ahead of returning the item to the Select Board at the June 9 meeting.
Resident Richard Toole, who spoke during the discussion, said the path is a valuable local resource that would benefit from improved maintenance to increase safety.
The board did not finalize the agreement on May 26; members agreed to continue negotiations and to bring a revised agreement back for a future vote.
