Partridgeberry Homeowners Against the Proposed Marion Stoddart Riverwalk
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.
27 Comments
I am blind. I still enjoy walking this section of trail, listening to the sounds of wildlife and the peace and quiet it brings to me. Please do not destroy this by increasing the amount of traffic -- especially difficult for me -- in this lovely area.
I join with my neighbors who oppose construction of the trail. I believe the greatest opportunity that we have to prevent this construction is to contact the Taisey family as soon as possible and to voice our concerns in the clearest possible terms. If consideration of the project drags along and gets to CPC or worse to town meeting, then I believe it will go forward.
I don't agree with the proposal as stated. This trail already runs close to residential properties, and taking out more trees and widening the path will encroach on these families even more. Also, parking and access on Jenkins would also be a problem - the current traffic due to horse usage is already tenuous - the road is not wide enough for proper traffic access and passage.
Please consider putting this improved access trail on the opposite side of the river from Partridgeberry Woods. And maybe all the way up to the Fitchs Bridge. It looks like there would be less of an impact to residential abutters.
Given the beauty of the natural state of this trail and the negative and experiences the neighborhood has had with a certain element of trail users, I find it hard to support the project as proposed. I fear heightened exposure will lead to more unwanted activities too close to neighbor's yards. Conservation property further from private yards would be a more suitable option.
Adriana and Walter Akt also join our neighbors and oppose the construction of this trail.
oppose
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Partridgeberry Homeowners Against the Proposed Marion Stoddart Riverwalk
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.
27 Comments
We have had problems with outside teens and others in this development. Adding more people, claiming it won't adversely affect us, is against common sense. Please read the comments of the residents. They live here. Thank you.
I am blind. I still enjoy walking this section of trail, listening to the sounds of wildlife and the peace and quiet it brings to me. Please do not destroy this by increasing the amount of traffic -- especially difficult for me -- in this lovely area.
I join with my neighbors who oppose construction of the trail. I believe the greatest opportunity that we have to prevent this construction is to contact the Taisey family as soon as possible and to voice our concerns in the clearest possible terms. If consideration of the project drags along and gets to CPC or worse to town meeting, then I believe it will go forward.
I don't agree with the proposal as stated. This trail already runs close to residential properties, and taking out more trees and widening the path will encroach on these families even more. Also, parking and access on Jenkins would also be a problem - the current traffic due to horse usage is already tenuous - the road is not wide enough for proper traffic access and passage.
Please consider putting this improved access trail on the opposite side of the river from Partridgeberry Woods. And maybe all the way up to the Fitchs Bridge. It looks like there would be less of an impact to residential abutters.
Given the beauty of the natural state of this trail and the negative and experiences the neighborhood has had with a certain element of trail users, I find it hard to support the project as proposed. I fear heightened exposure will lead to more unwanted activities too close to neighbor's yards. Conservation property further from private yards would be a more suitable option.
Adriana and Walter Akt also join our neighbors and oppose the construction of this trail.
oppose
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We have had problems with outside teens and others in this development. Adding more people, claiming it won't adversely affect us, is against common sense. Please read the comments of the residents. They live here. Thank you.