Agenda Summary
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In support of completing the Mass Central Rail Trail.
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Official Text
WHEREAS: The first section of the Somerville Community Path was completed in 1985 in Davis Square by the MBTA, with the support of the Somerville municipal government and community; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has worked with the Mayor, citizen advocates, the MBTA, the MAPC, and Mass DOT to expand the Community Path by sections in 1994, 2007, 2014 and, finally, in 2023 when the entire Community Path was completed and opened publicly; and
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville has developed comprehensive plans to create a network of safe bike lanes, neighborways and shared use paths to create a non-motorized network that connects to the Somerville Community Path; and
WHEREAS: The Somerville Community Path is the eastern end of the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) , a partially completed rail-trail greenway that extends from Boston to Northampton through 26 municipalities; and
WHEREAS: The MCRT Coalition, under the guidance of the Norwottuck Network, has embarked on a vital project to push for the completion of the entire Mass Central Rail Trail from Boston to Northampton, noting that 63-miles are currently open, with 94.5 miles protected and many miles being planned and under construction by various entities; and
WHEREAS: The completion of the Mass Central Rail Trail project will mitigate traffic and facilitate bike-to-school programs, community health and safety, economic development, increased tourism, climate resiliency, and historic education opportunities; and
WHEREAS: The MCRT Coalition’s mission aligns with Somerville’s strategic priorities, particularly in promoting the health and safety of all of the Commonwealth’s citizens, fostering economic development throughout Massachusetts, and addressing key community objectives for the overall well-being of our citizens; and
WHEREAS: The MCRT Coalition has demonstrated a commitment to fostering partnerships, collaborating ...
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