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Princeton Open Space Committee Meeting
May 8, 2012 7:30 pm
Present: Kelton Burbank, Phil Grzyb, Jim Samdahl, Karen Rosow, Doug Williams and Phyllis Booth
- The Bridge: Discussion was again dominated by the bridge. The steel beams have been placed. The lumber has been delivered. Work on the decking should start later this week. So far it is on budget. Supply costs are about $14,000 thus far. Labor costs are hard to estimate. Discussion then ensued about prevented motorized vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles) from accessing the bridge. Several ideas were presented. We will also ask the Mid-state trail people for advice. Certainly, these blockades will make it more difficult for people with disabilities to access the bridge. While the bridge is not specifically ADA compliant, we are not trying to limit non-motorized access. We will continue to try to accommodate everyone as best we can within the
limits of our budget and our promise to keep motorized vehicles off the bridge and trail.
- The Trail: Kelton met with the Princeton Land Trust last week. They are excited about the project and are willing to have the trail pass across their land. The Mid-state trail committee and a representative from the PLT (Bob Warren) have flagged a route. The trails to and from the bridge will be completed by Saturday June 2. This is National Trails Day. The AMC and the Mid-state Trail Committee are planning a celebration/ribbon cutting, etc.
- New Trails: Discussion ensued regarding a trail network through town. As per the Town Plan, one of the highest priorities is the development of a “multi-use, non-motorized trail network through town”. The Open Space Committee will take on this task. A sub-committee will catalogue existing trails, while another group within the committee will look at corridors to connect desired locations (mountain, school, town green, etc). The bridge and the re-routing of the mid-state trail were the key steps. Working with DCR and Audubon will also be important.
- Open Space and Recreation Plan: This needs to be updated. A sub-committee will work on this to ensure eligibility for grants
- Membership: No official word has come back from John Lebeaux or selectmen, but recommendations were sent after last meeting. All OSC members are aware of the importance of being sworn in at town hall.
- Next Meeting: Tuesday May 28 at 7:30 pm. We will meet in the Town Hall Annex. After a brief meeting, we will take a trip to the new bridge.
Submitted by Kelton Burbank
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