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Marshfield adopts trail-improvement policy; board debates shared driveway standards
Summary
Selectboard members adopted an amended trail policy clarifying that improvements to legal trails used as driveways require a Selectboard maintenance agreement while routine maintenance does not. The board also discussed whether shared driveways must meet A76 (Class 3) standards and noted cost concerns.
Marshfield’s Selectboard voted May 19 to adopt an amended trail policy that makes improvements to legal trails subject to a Selectboard maintenance agreement while routine maintenance by users does not require such an agreement.
Chair Richard Baker said the change was intended to clarify when formal agreements are required for trail improvements used as driveways. Town Clerk Bobbi Brimblecombe told the board that the cost of upgrading a shared driveway to A76 (Class 3) standards would be “cost‑prohibitive” for many property owners and noted that trail maintenance agreements are a separate matter from road class rules. Baker moved to adopt the amended policy; Luke Lampugnale seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The board also discussed the original rationale for considering A76 standards—chiefly concerns about fire department access—but learned there is 1,000 feet of hose available, which reduced that access concern. Members agreed to keep discussing related zoning provisions and to bring proposals to a public hearing before finalizing any additional changes.
