Video: Manhan Rail Trail Hearing of 4/27/09

Posted by NorthAssocAdmin at 5/2/2009 9:56 AM
Categories: Videos
Here is a complete blip.tv video of MassHighway's April 27 public hearing on extending the Manhan Rail Trail. This video is 39 minutes long and was recorded by Lachlan Ziegler. The public comment period takes up the latter half of the hearing.



From the meeting announcement:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed trail project. All views and comments made at the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.

PROPOSAL: The work under this federal and state funded project consists of constructing a multipurpose trail along approximately 2.66 miles of former rail line from the Manhan Trail just north of Ferry Street in Easthampton to the intersection of Grove Street/Earle Street in Northampton. A secure right-of-way is necessary for this project. Acquisitions in fee and permanent or temporary easements may be required. The Town of Easthampton and City of Northampton are responsible for acquiring all necessary rights in private or public lands. MassHighway’s policy concerning land acquisitions will be discussed at this hearing.

Written comments must be received within 10 days of the hearing. Download more details and the comment form as a PDF (416KB).


See also:

April 27: Public Hearing for the Manhan Rail Trail



Gazette: "Northampton moves forward on bike path in spite of suit" (4/18/09)
A section of that land runs through the back lot of Ernie's Towing at 376 Easthampton Road. The company claims that it owns this strip of property and objects to the city trying to take it. Owner Frank N. Fournier III recently filed a lawsuit in Hampshire Superior Court asking a judge to determine who owns the land. Fournier said the land in question is in the middle of a lot where towed vehicles are stored, making it a valuable business asset...

The city must be ready to begin the project by June to secure more than $4.6 million in federal economic stimulus money for the project...

...the city has assessed the land and made offers totaling $58,000 to five other property owners who might have a claim of ownership, including $25,000 to the Fourniers...

Rail Trail Map by Northampton Trails and Greenways (PDF)

Northampton Planning and Development: Sustainable Transportation

Video: Transforming Northampton's Rail Trails to a Regional Trail Network (11/18/08)

Manhan Rail Trail

Norwottuck Rail Trail

 
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