Selectmen Recommend Reset For Rail Trail Project

DEDHAM, MA — With an article from a group of residents to fund a rail trail study on the town meeting warrant, the selectmen are calling for the process to start all over.

The board voted Monday night to recommend the hiring of a collaborator to develop and work with key stakeholders, including abutters, to identify the interests, concerns, and goals for the Dedham Historic Rail Trail and to provide progress reports at the fall 2018 and spring 2019 town meetings. Chairperson Dennis Teehan, who was in support of the reset, was the only board member to vote against the motion due to the removal of a recommendation for a circulation study around Dedham High School, Dedham Middle School, and Avery Elementary School. Other board members wanted to wait for the school committee to discuss and vote on the project before making a decision on that aspect.

The vote was unusual because it came at the request of the finance committee. The board often does not vote on town meeting matters before the finance committee, but residents have been looking towards the selectmen for guidance.

"We heard a call for leadership from the board from both side," Teehan said. "I think that as an elected official, I can't begin to fathom to support for this parcel if you don't know what the stakeholders, especially the abutters think or what's even possible without the circulation study."

If backed by town meeting, the recommendation would become a substitute motion for Article 19, which proposes an engineer and circulation study for the rail trail. Instead, the selectmen would identify a third-party collaborator by July with a report to follow in November. If a rail trail study committee is recommended, they would form around Thanksgiving and write a request for proposals for a circulation study, which would take place in 2019, with a report to follow in September 2019.

The rail trail has divided those who think the project would be a great addition to Dedham and others who are worried about price and possible crime. Some abutters have said that the town has not done well on engaging those living next to the trail.

The school committee was expected to hear more about the project at their meeting Tuesday night, with a vote likely at their next meeting.

If constructed, the 1.5-mile trail would run from East Street to the Boston city line.

Image via Town of Dedham