The Groton Trails Committee is proposing to construct a fully accessible trail along the Nashua River behind the Partridgeberry Woods subdivision from Rte. 225 (Long Hill Rd.) across from Groton Place to the old Groton Fairgrounds at the end of Jenkins Road, a total distance of roughly 1.25 miles.

We, the residents of the Partridgeberry Woods Neighborhood, are petitioning the Conservation Commission and Taisey Family Trust to not approve this project. We are opposed to the construction of this Riverwalk because of the negative impact it will have on our neighborhood. We believe it will negatively affect our neighborhood in the following ways:

• Increased pedestrian traffic will likely increase the amount of litter along, and ending up, in the Nashua River. Residents continually go out and clean litter along the trails now.
• Ongoing safety issues with making this area more accessible. We have current issues with cars parking on Riverbend and Wintergreen to engage in underage drinking. Residents needed to involve the Groton Police this summer when a “campsite” was found off the path with a fire-pit and a great deal of trash that included empty beer and alcohol cans/bottles.
• Both Wintergreen and Riverbend are part of a cul-de-sac. People moved into this neighborhood because of the lack of traffic. Traffic needs to remain low on these streets. Creating a fully accessible, destination “Riverwalk” with viewing area, will most certainly increase traffic on these streets.
• As the trail runs along the river, widening the trail and increased traffic will lead to increased erosion along the rivers edge. The removal of trees, damage to trees root systems by the addition of trail material, and the disturbance to soils and vegetation caused by the construction process itself will have negative environmental impact.
• Unlike the “John Tinker Trail” in the Rich State Forest, this trail runs along the backyards of many homes. The owners of these homes do not want to see an increase in traffic along these paths impacting the quiet and tranquility of living in and adjacent to the woods.
• And finally, we want to see the natural beauty of these trails preserved. Many residents enjoy the natural state of these trails for mountain biking and running.

We ask that the Conservation Committee and the Taisey Family Trust vote no on going forward with this project.