FAQ - Economic and Security Considerations of the Recreational Path
How will the path affect property values of abutters?
Towns which have similar paths report an increase in property values along and near to the trail. Real Estate agents report that many homeowners are desirous of proximity to recreational paths because of increased convenience for transportation and accessibility to safe family recreation.
Will the path affect general property values within the town of Georgetown?
The path will be a definite asset to the town that will increase the quality of life. It is expected that the path will have an overall positive impact on property values.
Does the path increase security risks?
It has been found that shared use paths can improve security to an area because they bring a community presence and vigilance to an otherwise vacant area. Georgetown’s current Police Chief has experience monitoring a large urban rail trail and is committed to assessing security needs as the project progresses.
How will the path address safety concerns?
The intended surface of paved asphalt will be a safe surface and will minimize the likelihood of injury for all authorized wheeled vehicles and foot traffic. Proper fencing to protect sensitive areas from path users and protect users from sensitive or dangerous areas will be erected when necessary. In addition, the Georgetown Police Department will make regular and random patrols of the path.
What will be done to protect abutters against litter?
The litter policy will be “carry in and carry out” along the trail. Users will be expected to leave no trace. A Friends of the Trail group will be organized and will patrol and collect any litter.
How will abutter privacy be impacted?
If warranted, abutters in close proximity to the path may seek privacy mitigation through screening, fencing and plantings.
How will the path be funded?
Initial expenses are funded by Community Preservation Grants. Design has been funded by a Federal Earmark and MDOT. Construction funding has been secured from Federal Transportation Enhancement and Congestion Mitigation Funds. The town needs to acquire the rights to the ROW which will utilize Community Preservation Grants.
How much will this cost?
Design: The four towns of Boxford, Georgetown, Newbury, and Salisbury joined together in 2010 to obtain funding for the design of the trail and were awarded a total of $1.25 million to complete the 100% design that would make the project “shovel ready”. Each of the four towns is now proceeding on their own to develop their trails.
Construction: The Committee, working with the Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, which manages and plans all road and trail funding in this area, secured federal and state funding of $6.1m for construction of both trail projects.