Dmitry Smelansky commented
2021-03-17 23:58:53 -0400
Support the Belmont Community Path
Written by MassBike
March 12, 2021
The Belmont Community Path needs your support in the next two weeks to secure funding for the path – please read below for action items to contact the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
This two-mile bike and pedestrian path is a critical link in the 104 mile Massachusetts Central Rail Trail from Boston to Northampton, many pieces of which are now open. Specifically, this path will connect Waltham and points West to Cambridge’s Alewife Station via the Fitchburg cutoff. It will also provide connections to the Minuteman Bikeway and the Somerville Community Path. The Belmont Community Path is an essential piece in a broader transportation and recreation network for local communities and the state, and cannot go unfunded. The path is currently in the design phase and the town of Belmont is seeking funding for construction. The state legislature has already allocated some, but not all funds, and the town is now seeking further, federal, funding from the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
#5: Belmont, just to the east of Waltham, is designing a “community path" that would link to the existing Fitchburg Cutoff Path, the Alewife Red Line station, and the Minuteman trail. (Waltham is also in the advanced stages of designing its own segment of the Mass. Central Rail Trail. The first section, between Main Street and Beaver Street, could begin construction in 2021.) (Source: StreetsBlog Mass)
Are you in support? The MPO has already heard from a vocal minority in Belmont who are in opposition, and it is critical that path supporters make their voices heard by sending comments to the MPO as they evaluate transportation improvement projects for funding. To express support please email MPO TIP Manager, Matt Genova at [email protected] by March 22. The MPO will be making funding recommendations on March 25th.
The Friends of Belmont Community Path has created a template email that you may use to send your comments to the MPO. Feel free to cut and paste and customize to your liking. Personalized comments, though helpful, are not required.
If you have any questions about the project, you can reach out to the Friends of Belmont Community Path at [email protected]. You can also plug-in to more ways to support the path by joining the Friends of Belmont Community Path Google Group.
Support the Belmont Community Path Template
Send to: [email protected]
Subject: Belmont Community Path
Dear Mr. Matt Genova,
I’m writing to voice my support for the Belmont Community Path and request that the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization provide Transportation Improvement Program funding for the project as soon as possible.
I’m looking forward to the Belmont Community Path because…[INSERT ONE OR MORE REASONS LISTED BELOW]
-the path and railroad underpass creates safe routes to school for children.
-the path will improve my commute by providing a direct walkable/bikeable connection to Alewife Station or Belmont Center Station.
-the path will provide an accessible connection to Belmont Center for shopping and dining.
-the path will improve my commute by providing a direct walkable/bikeable connection to Alewife Station or Belmont Center Station.
-the path will provide an accessible connection to Belmont Center for shopping and dining.
-the path connection with Concord Ave. provides great access to Belmont Public Library, Belmont Underwood Pool, Belmont Center Post Office, and the MBTA 74/75 Bus Lines
-the railroad underpass component of the project will allow my child to walk or bike to Belmont Middle and High School safety.
-the project will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians crossing Brighton Street in Belmont.
-the path will connect with the region's bicycle and pedestrian network including the Fitchburg Cutoff, Minuteman Bikeway, Somerville Community Path, and Watertown-Cambridge Greenway
-the path will fill a critical gap between Cambridge and Waltham on Massachusetts Central Rail Trail.
-the path will offer recreational opportunities for me and my family.
-the path will enable me to bike to Downtown Boston almost entirely off-road.
-the path will reduce auto usage and carbon emissions in Belmont, and the surrounding region.
-the drainage enhancements proposed for the project will reduce flooding and improve climate resiliency.
-the project will create new public space in Belmont Center.
-the railroad underpass component of the project will allow my child to walk or bike to Belmont Middle and High School safety.
-the project will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians crossing Brighton Street in Belmont.
-the path will connect with the region's bicycle and pedestrian network including the Fitchburg Cutoff, Minuteman Bikeway, Somerville Community Path, and Watertown-Cambridge Greenway
-the path will fill a critical gap between Cambridge and Waltham on Massachusetts Central Rail Trail.
-the path will offer recreational opportunities for me and my family.
-the path will enable me to bike to Downtown Boston almost entirely off-road.
-the path will reduce auto usage and carbon emissions in Belmont, and the surrounding region.
-the drainage enhancements proposed for the project will reduce flooding and improve climate resiliency.
-the project will create new public space in Belmont Center.
Additionally, I’m looking forward to the path because…[INSERT ANOTHER REASON IF APPLICABLE].
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[INSERT NAME AND ADDRESS]
