CRT Task Force: Frequently Asked Questions - 2/19/2007
This FAQ will be revised as needed. You may submit a question or provide comments by sending an email to crt@natickma.org.
A rail trail is a recreational area located within an abandoned railroad Right-of-Way (ROW). Rail trails are increasingly common in Massachusetts and throughout the United States. [back to top]
Where is the Saxonville Branch Right-of-Way?
The Saxonville Branch Right-of-Way runs from the Natick Center commuter rail station northwest over Route 9 along the western boundary of Cochituate State Park, crossing into Framingham at Route 30 near the TJ Maxx building. The Right-of-Way continues into the Saxonville section of Framingham. A map of the Right-of-Way is available here [link to map]. This ROW from Natick Center to Saxonville would contain the proposed Cochituate Rail Trail (CRT). [back to top]
What is the Natick CRT Task Force?
The Natick Cochituate Rail Trail Task Force (CRTTF) is a volunteer group established by the Board of Selectmen. Task force members were appointed by the Selectmen and by the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, Finance Committee, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Town Administration. The Task Force is charged with recommending whether the Town should negotiate with the owner of the Right-of-Way, CSX, and with advising the Town on matters related to a rail trail. [back to top]
What is the impact of rail-trails on property values?
Studies of property values along trails show that lots adjacent to trails sell faster and for an average of 6-9% more than similar properties not located next to trails. Trails increase the natural beauty of communities. They also have been shown to bolster property values and make adjacent properties easier to sell. In a 2002 survey of recent home buyers sponsored by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders, trails ranked as the second most important community amenity out of a list of 18 choices. Source: Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse, Washington, DC. www.trailsandgreenways.org [back to top]
Will the town lose property tax revenue from using the abandoned rail-bed as an open space rail trail rather than as developed land?
No. Many communities have discovered that open space conservation is a one-time investment that can boost property values and swell tax coffers long after the land is paid for. A small increase in the value of hundreds of properties will be worth far more to the town than the amount of extra development that could take place along a narrow corridor. Protecting open space eliminates the costs of new government services, including schools, water, trash removal, sewers, policing, and fire protection - the primary burdens on local government budgets. In survey after survey, homebuyers identify nearby open space and trails as among the top features in choosing a home. Parks and open space create a high quality of life that attracts tax-paying businesses and residents to communities. Source: The Trust for Public Land, Washington, DC. www.tpl.org [back to top]
Do rail trails attract crime and vandalism to neighborhoods?
No. There is no evidence that rail trails cause an increase in crime. In fact, trail development may actually decrease the risk of crime in comparison to an abandoned and undeveloped rail corridor. And, several studies show that people prefer living along a rail trail rather than an abandoned corridor. Typically, lawful trail users serve as eyes and ears for the community. However, a trail is unlikely to have a crime rate lower than that in surrounding neighborhoods. Source: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Washington, DC. www.railtrails.org [back to top]
What about the privacy of those living near the trail?
According to a National Park Service study, "The Impacts of Rail-Trails," most adjacent owners experience a minimal loss of privacy from the establishment of a rail trail. Generally rail trails have a thick row of already established trees and shrubs along their edges. In some cases, adjacent landowners have already taken steps to ensure their privacy from trains, passengers, train crews and other former corridor users. Often, trail design specifications will call for additional vegetative screening to be added to the trail corridor to protect privacy. Fencing is expensive and rarely necessary, although some landowners do erect fences, often with a gate so they can access the trail. Clearly, abutters will need to participate in the planning phase to assure a good design. Source: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Washington, DC. www.railtrails.org [back to top]
Trash has not presented much of a problem on most rail trails. Some trails have successfully adopted a "pack out what you pack in" policy while others have a regular maintenance schedule to empty well-placed waste and recycling receptacles. Source: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Washington, DC. www.railtrails.org
The CRTTF has recommended the creation of an independent "Friends of the CRT" organization to raise funds for the project, provide volunteer assistance, and to help with maintenance. Whatever method is used, proper sign placement along the trail and in trail brochures will help ensure its success. [back to top]
Would dirt bikes and ATVs be allowed on the trail?
Although no regulations have been put in place for this proposed trail, virtually every rail trail in the country prohibits motorized vehicles on the trail, other than those used for handicapped accessibility, or by public safety, maintenance and emergency vehicles. [back to top]
For residents young and old, the recreational trail would provide a clean, safe place to exercise and enjoy nature. It would also provide a non-motorized transportation alternative connecting destinations from the Natick Mall to Natick Center including Cochituate State Park, Natick Center commuter rail station, and local businesses for shopping or dining. The trail would also provide safe pedestrian access across Route 9. As was demonstrated on the Minuteman and Cape Cod Rail Trails, it would enhance the value and character of the community, and our quality of life in general. [back to top]
The CRTTF is evaluating project costs as part of its assignment by the Natick Board of Selectmen. The costs may include acquisition, design, construction and maintenance. [back to top]
Where will the funding come from, and is it guaranteed?
There are many potential funding sources. There are no plans to use local taxpayer funds for the project. For a partial list of funding sources, see Appendix A of the Task Force preliminary report at http://natickma.gov/crt. The CRTTF is evaluating funding sources as part of its assignment by the Natick Board of Selectmen. There are also dedicated funds available specifically for this project by the Natick Mall expansion to mitigate increased traffic, and the town has funds for open space provided by the Natick Mall and other development projects to offset the increased density caused by those projects. [back to top]
Why do it now (or... can't this wait until next year)?
The Town has a renewable 180-day window to negotiate with CSX that expires in May 2007. If the Town does not seek to negotiate or acquire the Right-of-Way, CSX may sell the property in whole or in part to private parties. [back to top]
Have other towns done this sort of thing before?
Yes. Milford is completing their section of the Upper Charles Trail. There are now more than a dozen trails in Massachusetts, and more than 1000 nationwide. Surveys of residents from Lexington and other area communities have indicated high satisfaction levels and broad support for the trails in their towns. [back to top]
What's the difference between Natick and Framingham Right-of-Way?
If completed, the Cochituate Rail Trail will connect Natick Center and the Saxonville neighborhood in Framingham with one continuous path. Although the trail may appear as one connected recreational area, each town will be responsible for its own section. The Town of Framingham is currently working on its section of the trail. [back to top]
The town is currently negotiating terms of a possible purchase of the property from CSX Corporation. At other similar projects, negotiations have taken anywhere from several months to over five years. After the transfer of the land, applications for funding (usually not possible until the town has control of the property) and the appropriations of funds, the design process will begin. Construction follows the design phase. Design and construction phases have often taken two to four years. [back to top]
Would there be street lights along the trail?
If approved, lighting is one of many design elements to consider prior to final implementation of the trail. The type, location and hours of trail illumination would be considered on the basis of cost, safety and appeal to the community. There are many trails in other communities both with and without lighting, and these examples would be considered in determining the best design for Natick. [back to top]
Who decides if there will be a rail trail?
Several official boards will decide. The Board of Selectmen are authorized to negotiate with the property owner, CSX. If conservation funds for open space acquisition are to be expended, both the Conservation Commission and the Board of Selectmen must vote for this expenditure. Town Meeting has voted on matters relating to a rail trail in the past and will likely do so in the future. The Finance Committee, Planning Board, Recreation and Parks Commission, Safety Committee, Open Space Advisory Committee and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee may serve advisory roles. All of these committees accept public comment and hold public meetings. [back to top]
The CRT Task Force will provide regular reports to the Board of Selectmen, and plans to produce quarterly public updates beginning in the Spring of 2007. [back to top]
Links to related local websites and FAQs:
Bruce Freeman Rail Trail reading list
Town of Sudbury rail trail website
Coastal trails website in Newburyport, MA
Wachusetts greenways website, regarding Mass Central Rail Trail