hopkinton-independent-logo2x
Hopkinton, MA
loader-image
Hopkinton, US
10:20 am, Wednesday, May 21, 2025
47°F
82 %
Wind Gust: 6 mph

SIGN UP TODAY!
BREAKING NEWS & DAILY NEWSLETTER





Letter to the Editor: New direction needed for UCTC

by | Feb 13, 2023 | Letter to Editor

At the Feb. 2 Upper Charles Trails Committee meeting, the UCTC chair made an opening statement about two citizens’ petitions seeking articles on the Annual Town Meeting warrant targeting the UCTC and its future work. As it relates to petition organizers and the timing of the petitions, the chair rhetorically asked, “What’s the rush?”

I’d offer this explanation: First, there is no rush. The UCTC was organized in 2012. Ten years later, not one yard of trail has been built. I’ve been patient for 10 years. My patience is wearing thin.

I am also wondering just how much more taxpayer money the UCTC will spend for engineering segments that will never be built? Let me explain. The UCTC’s proposed Segment 7 runs along Hayden Rowe and crosses it three times in just under three-quarters of a mile from the EMC Park entrance to Granite Street. When initially proposed at a public input session in December 2021, Segment 7 was overwhelmingly opposed by most of the 70 residents in attendance. In the past year, the town has surveyed the impacted area of Hayden Rowe and concluded the trail cannot be built within the town’s right of way without either a major street relocation or property takings from homeowners along Hayden Rowe. I don’t believe either will happen, which means Segment 7 cannot be built.

That hasn’t stopped or slowed down the UCTC from spending $199,000 on engineering Segment 5 from Center Trail to Hayden Rowe and $140,000 on engineering Segment 6 from the EMC Park entrance around Marathon School and back out to Hayden Rowe. Segment 6 was unanimously opposed by the School Committee in January 2022 when the UCTC presented its route plan. The sole purpose of Segments 5 and 6 is to connect Center Trail to Segment 7, which is not likely to be built. So, did the UCTC just waste $339,000 of taxpayer money engineering a trail to nowhere?

Since the UCTC’s proposed route was made public nearly 14 months ago, I and others of like mind have lobbied the UCTC and the Select Board to stop spending public funds to engineer the controversial segments and to explore other options. All to no avail. So, what’s the rush? No rush here, just trying to get your attention, UCTC. You’ll have another opportunity to hear that residents don’t support your plan at Town Meeting.

— Steve Frohbieter, Hopkinton

Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event or thanking sponsors or volunteers. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions for the print edition, click here.

0 Comments

Related Articles

Letter to the Editor: Kizner, Mannan for Select Board

One of my first memories of Matt Kizner is him walking up to the mic and asking a question of one of our town leaders. He was new to town at the time, yet cared enough and was courageous to cut through the chase. I continue to see the ability to process...

Letter to the Editor: Doyle for Select Board

I’m writing to support Jeff Doyle for the Hopkinton [Select Board]. Jeff grew up in town and is now choosing to raise his own family here, it's clear he has made a commitment to this community. He is concerned about our commercial base, the budget, clean water and...

Letter to the Editor: Mannan for Select Board

I am writing to enthusiastically endorse Shahidul Mannan for Select Board. I have had the privilege of knowing Shahidul, and I can say with full confidence that he possesses the intelligence, integrity and dedication that our community needs in its leadership....

Letter to the Editor: Mannan, Kizner for Select Board

As we approach Election Day, I want to take a moment to remind all Hopkinton residents to vote on May 19. The truth is, you have more control, influence and access to local politics versus anything you see on TV about national issues. And local officials have more...

Letter to the Editor: Doyle for Select Board

I am writing this letter to ask you to vote for Jeff Doyle and his ideals to become a member of the Hopkinton Select Board. Like many others who have written to endorse Jeff, I have known him for a very long time. To be honest, I’ve known him since the July Fourth...

Letter to the Editor: Doyle for Select Board

I’m writing to express my support for my husband, Jeff Doyle, for the Select Board. As his wife, I’m lucky to know Jeff’s heart better than most. But for those who don’t, I’d like to share why I believe he’s the kind of person we need leading our town. Jeff knows...

Key Storage 4.14.22