Do rail trails violate the privacy of abutters?
This is a common fear before a trail is built, but after a trail is built most abutters are happy to live near it. A number of studies that have sought the reactions of trail neighbors. If desired by the abutter, a fence can be erected as part of the trail construction funds, at no cost to the abutter. The Lowell-Chelmsford-Westford section is using vinyl-coated chain link fencing for this. As an alternative to a fence, shrubbery can be planted to provide screening. With other trails, the experience has been that many abutters who have had fencing installed later remove the fencing because it is unnecessary and blocks their own access to the trail! Several large studies of rail trails have revealed that neighbors become the most frequent users of the trails. It is also worthwhile to note that trees may need to be removed to install fencing and that certain types of fencing can impede the movement of wildlife.
