
This map shows the six sections of the BWALT in Westborough. (Photo/Courtesy Town of Westborough)
WESTBOROUGH – What is the Boston Worcester Airline Trail (BWALT)? How long could it take? How much would it cost?
These were some of the questions asked during a forum co-sponsored by the Select and Planning boards that drew about 100 residents to Memorial Hall on Thursday, Jan. 16, to find out the latest pertaining to BWALT.
The shared-use trail is proposed to run from Framingham to Worcester, following the former Boston to Worcester trolley line. The project would include two spurs — one running from Southborough to Marlborough to connect to the Assabet River Rail Trail, and a second spur running from Northborough to Berlin to connect to the Mass. Central Rail Trail.
Westborough’s portion of the BWALT involves six sections. Work could last 15 years and cost $26 million.
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Director of Planning Jennifer Gingras presented details about the trail — how it came to be; the current status of its various sections; the Town Meeting articles that authorized funds for studies and plans; and possible funding sources for design and construction, including state grants.
Select Board Chair Patrick Welch addressed one of the project’s main sticking points — a feasibility study approved in 2021 that detractors claimed was biased and not available for public input.
“There was no hint of impropriety,” said Welch of the study. “All laws have been followed.”
Detractors
Andy Koenigsberg said the only reason a feasibility study was conducted was because “$58,000 of grant money for trail construction was mismanaged back in 2017 and had to be redirected to the feasibility study before the grant expired.”
“The BWALT study was never formally reviewed by the public before its implementation … no one had the opportunity to question or comment on it,” he said.
Koenigsberg said he filed two reports detailing deficiencies with the feasibility study, but he never received a reply from the town.
Koenigsberg is asking for an independent re-evaluation of the feasibility study.
“We need to start with safer roads,” he said. “What good is BWALT if most residents can’t get to it?”
Jo Anne Aramini, who has been outspoken about BWALT and the feasibility study, wants the town to stop the project until a new study could be undertaken.
“I would like to respectfully request that the BWALT project be halted, stopped. Stop the work, stop spending the money … let’s get a new study.”
Section 2 of the proposed trail would start at Otis Street, making its way toward Park Drive. This section would run near the Westborough Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Treatment Plant Board Chair Michael Stanton said that portions of the proposed trail would either be on or directly abutting the plant.
“While the board does not oppose the concept of the BWALT, the board is concerned about the close proximity of the shared use path to the treatment plant facility,” said Stanton.
This portion of the trail would also go through the vicinity of Meadow Road, which is not sitting well with some neighbors.
One resident said that Route 9 and the treatment plant is not the place for a trail, and that resident also asked about parking.
Select Board member Allen Edinberg said there was no bias in the feasibility study, and that the Select Board acted property in its role as representatives of the town.
“It falls on us whether it’s feasible,” he said, adding that the study is not a final design.
According to Gingras in a previous meeting, the town is working on an alternative design for Section 2.
Supporters
According to Gingras in a previous meeting, the town is working on an alternative design for Section 2.
Melanie Magee of the Shrewsbury Trails Committee said the BWALT would help “connect with the towns.
“I really would like to see this continue,” she said.
“I am in awe at how much work’s gone into BWALT,” said Northborough Select Board Chair Mitch Cohen. “It’s an awesome opportunity for the towns to work together.”
Members of the Westborough Land Conservation Trust are spearheading the setup of a friends of BWALT group. Those attending the forum had a chance to sign up.
Hazel Nourse, chair of the Planning Board, said the project would be subject to further discussion, including another possible joint meeting with the Select Board.
Details about the BWALT project — including the feasibility study — may be found at https://www.westboroughma.gov/1082/Boston-Worcester-Airline-Trail-BWALT