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The DCR presented their updated plans for the Neponset River Greenway at 7:30 PM on August 30, 2011 at the Foley Senior Center in Mattapan.

Foley Senior Center, 249 River Street, Mattapan

Last year, the DCR presented five route options to connect the Greenway between Central and Blue Hill Avenues.  Many residents of the Capen Street neighborhood expressed concerns about loss of privacy, added traffic and potential security concerns if the trail were to follow the trolley tracks through their neighborhood.

The DCR listened to their comments, and those of other neighbors.  They've conducted environmental and archeological studies, and they've worked with the MBTA to find a route that they believe will satisfy the majority of local residents.  On the 30th, they will present their updated plans for the completion of this part of the Greenway.

In addition, the DCR also plans to extend the trail in Dorchester and Hyde Park.  The added sections may qualify the project for a "Tiger III" grant, which would include Federal and state funds.  The state has already committed to match the Federal funds, if the grant is approved.

The trail as it exists today already connects us to parks, playgrounds, the Farmer's Market and dozens of local businesses, boat launches, a beach and five train stations.  We believe that the completion of the Greenway will benefit our community by creating a green corridor for recreation and transportation, that stretches all the way from the Blue Hills Reservation to the Boston Harborwalk and downtown Boston.

We strongly encourage Milton residents to attend the presentation to learn more about the plans, and to provide additional comments.

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May 5, 2011 - The MBTA is reviewing options that would allow the trail to cross the tracks near the Mattapan station.  If or when a design solution is agreed upon, the DCR will announce a public meeting.

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On May 17th, 2010, the Department of Conservation and Recreation presented five possible options for the extension of the Neponset River Greenway trail between Central Avenue and Mattapan Square:


The full presentation is available for review online at:
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/greenwaysgeneralpast.htm

It is clear from the neighborhood feedback that many Boston residents want this amenity on their side, although the DCR noted that environmental and archeological issues may make the northern route more challenging.

A number of Capen Street residents support a Milton route, while others expressed concern with the potential traffic that the path could bring through their neighborhood.

From the cyclists' perspective, Options (A) and (D) are the most straightforward and usable.  Options (B) and (C) as they exist now are undesirable because the Blue Hill Avenue access point is through River Street, which is a narrow and busy road, not very friendly to young children.  However, DCR is evaluating the potential for a gated railroad grade crossing that would allow the trail to follow the Boston side of the river around the Mattapan MBTA Station and safely terminate at the wide Blue Hill Avenue sidewalk.

As the Committee seeks to improve cycling resources and access for Milton residents, we recommend that the path follow the Milton side of the river.  In order of preference, our choices are:

#1 Option (D) provides the most access for Milton and Boston residents, with greater proximity to the river and access to Ryan Park.

#2 Option (A) provides very good access, but limited mostly to Milton residents.  Like Option (D), it is a practical and family-friendly route for cyclists.  It also has the least risk of archeological complications, and the most visibility from the well-traveled MBTA line.

#3 Option (B) would be our third choice, selected out of deference to some residents of the Capen Street neighborhood.

To those of our neighbors who are undecided or opposed to the Milton routes, we believe that routes (D) and (A) offer:

Safety:

• State Police already patrol the existing paved path in their cruisers, and would continue along the extension.
• Increased traffic and visibility reduces loitering.
• Cyclists would not need to ride in traffic on narrow Eliot Street.

Access:

• Direct connection to the Central Avenue business district, Lower Mills, Boston parks and beaches and the Blue Hills Reservation.

Economic Benefits:

• Studies show* that multi-use paths are amenities that add to the appeal of a neighborhood.  This was supported by a number of residents from the Dorchester neighborhood who spoke up in favor of the existing trail.

As a last point, we suggest that it may be desirable to add a pedestrian access point to the trail at the Valley Road MBTA Station, much like at the Milton Station.  If Option (D) is selected, this would also give some Boston residents easier access to the trolley line.

We believe that completing the Neponset River Greenway will create quality-of-life, health and economic benefits that would be an asset to the Town of Milton.  The Bicycle Advisory Committee recommends that the Town support the completion of the trail in Milton.

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