Burlington Residents Asked To Take Riverwalk, Bike Path Survey

BURLINGTON, MA — A team of graduate students from Northeastern University Innovation Campus in Burlington is working in collaboration with the Town of Burlington to explore the feasibility of two potential multi-use path projects in Burlington.

The two projects being examined are a riverwalk along the Vine Brook and a bike path connecting separate parcels through the Mall Road commercial district.

The Northeastern team, which is working on the study as part of a capstone project, has developed an online survey, from which it is seeking input on the location and type of path the community would use.

"Our goal is to find the most feasible solution for the town to increase pedestrian connections and walkable access within the mall district," said Ran Tao, one of the Northeastern students. "We recognize the challenge of creating an environment for positive changes while protecting natural resources, opening doors to private investment and building a compatible and supportive relationship between new development and surrounding neighborhoods."

According to those conducting the study, the findings are expected to help drive real actions.

"Your input will provide valuable insights into the potential success and feasibility of these projects," the team wrote in an introduction to the survey. "These insights will help inform the town of Burlington's decision-making process."

Melisa Tintocalis, who is Burlington's economic development director, said the collaboration with the Northeastern students gives Burlington a chance to explore an area of development that previously has been among the town's goals.

"The Northeastern Innovation Campus is one of our town's gems and this project gives us an opportunity to work in collaboration for the benefit of the community," Tintocalis said. "Moreover, the graduate students bring a spotlight to pathway concepts that the town has discussed but has not had the resources to explore in more depth."

Tintocalis continued: "The students' work will help provide us with new ideas, information and steps toward meaningful implementation."

Tintocalis is encouraging all Burlington residents to complete the survey.

"Your input is helpful to form a workplan for action on our community's goals," Tintocalis said. "And by letting us know about the amenities you'd like see in town, we can better prioritize public and private investment and work towards achieving these goals"