slavin - Community Preservation Act Funding_ Support for Trail Projects.pdf10/31/23, 4:27 PM City of Northampton Mail - Community Preservation Act Funding: Support for Trail Projects
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ik=fec0f72d97&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1781282607802452069%7Cmsg-f:1781282607802452069&…1/1
Sarah LaValley <slavalley@northamptonma.gov>
Community Preservation Act Funding: Support for Trail Projects
1 message
Jes Slavin <jes.slavin10@gmail.com>Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 10:44 AM
To: slavalley@northamptonma.gov
Dear Sarah and the Community Preservation Committee,
Thank you for all your work to support the CPA funding allocations in Northampton. I'm emailing in support of three
important trail projects that are up for funding consideration:
Boggy Meadow Road Design – Planning & Sustainability
Rocky Hill Greenway Trail – Planning & Sustainability
Connecticut River Greenway Trail – Planning & Sustainability
Trails are a vital recreation resource for Northampton with numerous physical and mental health benefits for Northampton
residents. When I was considering moving to Northampton, the robust trail network was an important factor in my
decision. The three projects up for consideration would expand this network and make outdoor recreation more
accessible to the community.
Northampton is also a key connection point for several long-range bicycling routes and trail networks. These trail projects,
especially the Rocky Hill Greenway Trail and Connecticut River Greenway Trail, will help expand that network. This
provides some really amazing opportunities to Northampton residents who wish to take long-distance bicycle tours from
their homes, further opening up recreational possibilities.
The Boggy Meadow Road Design project will not only make viewing the science beaver pond more accessible but also
provide a vital connection for maintenance and emergency access. I'm sure you are aware, that well-maintained and
accessible trails are needed to ensure that Northampton residents of all ages and abilities can access our beautiful
natural resources.
The Rocky Hill Greenway Trail project will close the gap between two existing trails, closing a current gap in the trail
network. Again, this will increase the recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities. Shared-use
pathways are vital because they serve not only pedestrians but also encourage more people to bicycle as they are safe
and protected from motor vehicle traffic.
The Connecticut River Greenway Project will further open up the regional trail network, of which Northampton is a Central
hub, expanding the MassCentral Rail Trail and the New Haven and Northampton Canal Greenway to Hatfield. The
proposed route is an area where there are currently no shared-use paths and provides a safe all-ages and abilities facility
for those who wish to explore North along the Connecticut River and provide recreational access to scenic river views.
Recreational viewing access to the Connecticut River is currently extremely limited and this trail will allow more people to
enjoy the views from outside of their vehicles.
I hope you consider providing the full funding requested for all three of these projects. They will have an immense impact
and there is robust support for accessible trails in Northampton and across the state. I appreciate your time and
consideration.
Thank you,
Jes Slavin
12 Wright Ave, Northampton