Does the town already have guaranteed access to Harbor Pond by Route 119?
Almost all of the land along Harbor Pond where it is visible from Route 119 is owned by the MBTA. The MBTA has never restricted access to Harbor Pond, but the MBTA currently would have the right to fence in that land at their property boundary. Signing the rail trail lease would give Townsend, not the MBTA, control over that land, and ensure continued access to Harbor Pond for both the town and abutters.
