At the April 7 selectmen's meeting, we learned that a remaining private easement for Rec Path Phase 2 has now been secured through the utility corridor. For those closely involved with the project, that understandably feels like a turning point and suggests that a clearer path forward may now exist.

With Article 46 before voters on April 14, that sense of momentum is important context. It is also a good moment to step back and look at the project through a broader lens, one grounded in long-range planning rather than evaluating projects in isolation.

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G_Allen
G_Allen

Selectman Donohoe is opposed to Phase 2 of the Rec Path. Everything he says in this letter needs to be viewed under that "lens."

No, the Rec Path does not need to be considered part of the Master Plan. His argument suggests perpetual gridlock, where everything must align perfectly before we can move forward. His reasoning is that we shouldn't embark on this extension because, gosh, maybe we could use that money for something better, like a nice bike trail on the side of Route 16.

That isn't what the bike path is for. By trying to broaden the discussion, the Selectman is trying to kill the project. He knows that if the project fails at the upcoming Town Meeting, it will die. So he suggests a delay, trying to confuse voters into thinking that this is moving too quickly with not enough planning.

That simply isn't true. This is an aspirational project which will bring increased economic benefits to our tourist economy while giving residents and visitors a more useful and accessible bike path which will be open for three-quarters of the year, and longer if you count the winter usages.

This is not meant to be a commuter route. Don't let him try to broaden the discussion with the sole motivation to kill the project.

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