Residents urge council to halt proposed Pewds Road path, citing safety, privacy and tree loss

Several South‑side Pewds Road homeowners told the Franklin Common Council on July 7 that a proposed 10‑foot multi‑use path would disproportionately burden homes on the south side of the road. "The proposed path creates large numbers of new bicycle and pedestrian vehicle conflict points at every single driveway," Danielle Moritz said, adding that the path would move people "20 feet closer to our homes."

Lynn Service, whose family has owned property on Putes Road for 17 years, called the planned 10‑foot surface "an alternative roadway" that allows motorized devices “traveling up to 25 miles per hour,” and said the project would reduce privacy, increase noise and lower her home's saleability. Gail Dukas said the pathway would detract from the historic character of a property dating to 1839 and urged the council to "reevaluate your decision."

Other neighbors questioned process and transparency. Moritz said residents were told at a listening session they would see data and did not; she asked where the project stands and how maintenance and plowing costs will be paid. James Coolard raised connectivity and wetlands concerns, calling it a "path to nowhere" that does not link to existing trail hubs.

Mayor John Nelson told residents the project "has got many more legs to go before it's even to the final stage of a decision," and said data will be presented by the city engineer when available. Nelson added the council is "not anywhere near it yet" and pledged follow‑up.

The council did not take action on the pathway at the July 7 meeting; officials said they will provide the requested data, follow the MS4/engineering review procedures and allow time for homeowner input before any final routing or construction decision.