Belmont’s Community Path

Proposed Community Path: The proposed Community Path has been under consideration for the past twenty years, and state funding deadlines are approaching.

• Concern about compromised due diligence of Phase 1 design in the rush to secure funding

• Belmont taxpayers have already funded $2million for Phase 1 design

• Potential for an additional $5million Belmont taxpayer money needed for Phase 1
   

 
Funding Concerns: The cost of the path has increased, raising questions about funding commitments and potential taxpayer responsibility.

• Cost increase for Phase 1: $27M to $32M

• MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) committed to lower estimated amount only

• This creates a potential $5M differential to be funded by Belmont taxpayers

Phase I Complications: Phase I of the project faces complications 

• Proximity to live train tracks

• Original plans separately funded the underpass at Alexander Avenue, a critical safe passage for students and pedestrians. The plan now combines funding for the underpass and path, potentially delaying underpass construction. 

Concerns of Channing Road Abutters: Residents on Channing Road have raised concerns about the path's location and its potential negative impacts.

• Concerns: Loss of foliage, nighttime lighting, trash collection, property values

• Opposition to path's location west of the tracks

• Residents' petition opposed the path location and refused any taking of their property by eminent domain

• Former Select Board member dismissed concerns; “Well, for anyone who still opposes the path, we just don’t listen to them…”.