I know the trail isn't officially open yet, but it's already become an integral part of the community. Walkers, bikers and dogs packed the strip over this past weekend. So while no ribbons have been cut, it's open.
And the trail could use some ribbon of some kind--or better yet some type of fencing--at the bottom of the trail near the old rail road bridge. Any kids who lose control of their bike going down the hill from the Merrimac Street overpass will land either on the rocky shore 10 feet below or get tossed into the frigid Merrimack.
17 comments:
It is my understanding that fencing is indeed going up at that location and that signage and crosswalk markings will be plced on Washington Street (also signage on the rail trail). Planning has been made aware of these concerns.
I tink the official opening day is 5/23/10
Bob Cronin
City Council - Ward 3
a cheaper solution would be to learn how to ride a bike before taking it out...
Anonymous please send me your contact info.
I'd like to hire a keen financial mind like yours to manage my personal affairs.
Thanks for reading and commenting Bob, looking forward to spending many summer nights strolling through the heart of Ward 3.
Might use the path to make our way to Haley's tomorrow night.
the taxpayers of massachusetts are happy to give you another way to get ice cream tom!
Anonymous, you're missing the bigger picture.
There's burgers and onion rings too.
Nice Tom, I'm also looking forwrad to burning some calories on the trail, only to pack them right back on at Haley's.
A crosswalk at High Street would be nice too. Just saying...
Where on High Street? At the top of the stairs?
The key here is that the Rail Trail is not officially open yet. Until it is, one uses it at one's own risk.
I hope anonymous puts his money where his mouth is and stays off of the roads and sidewalks that the taxpayers have provided.
- The Carrot
I considered that Carrot and conceded that you're technically correct.
But what actually constitutes and opening?
Is the city or managing entity free from any legal obligations because no signage is up and no ribbon is cut?
There's no sign indicating that any use is at your own risk (like those that you might see at a public beach without lifeguards.)
Is such a public statement necessary? I'm not sure.
I suppose the fencing up along the staircases and along the bottom of the bridge could be seen as signs of closure, but I think that's a stretch.
Anyway, I wasn't raising this as a liability issue. More one of safety. Clearly, no one anticipated this spate of warm weather and the level of activity it would invite so I'm not blaming anyone for not doing their job.
I'm just raising the notion that someone could really get hurt here.
Tom, the minute the city took possession of the land it was liable (and yes, even the trespasser who trips over a bucket in your back yard and is injured can sue you unless you have taken reasonable steps to limit access).
If the city is going to allow (by not DISALLOWING) access to the Rail Trail before it is officially 'open' the least they can do is put up some yellow warning tape at the spot pictured. What needs to be done is to post 'use at own risk' signs where they are clearly visible to all and sundry.
- The Carrot
Agreed. And I also concur with your earlier comment about anonymous' use of sidewalks and streets.
The City has not officially accepted the rail trail as of yet. THat will happen when the contractors have completed their work and I would assume the "punch list" is compiled by City staff and addressed by the contractor
(Also sorry for the typos in my first post---I was attemting to multi-task
Bob Cronn
City Council Ward 3
PS good idea re the crosswalk on High Street, I'll push it along
carrot, roads and sidewalks are necessary, a bike path is not
Tom,
At top of the spur, not steps, that leads down to path from High Street.
PNB
Anonymous, says you.
Anonymous,
Touche, but you'd better stay off of the boardwalk.
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