Politics & Government

Safety Concerns Keep Aqueduct Section Closed

And other items you might have missed from this week's Framingham Selectmen's meeting.

Although a one-mile section of the Weston Aqueduct opened to the public in October, officials are reminding residents that part of the trail remains off-limits until pedestrian safety concerns can be addressed. 

At Tuesday night's Selectmen's meeting, Town Manage Bob Halpin said the portion of the aqueduct trail between the intersection of Potter and Water streets to Edith Road remains closed to the public.  

That section will be opened once crosswalks can be painted at the busy intersection of Potter and Water streets,. One obstacle to getting the crosswalks in place is the need for a sidewalk curb-cut that meets Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Halpin said if an approved design can't be approved quickly, the town may need to seek a design waiver from the Architectural Access Board.  

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Selectman Laurie Lee said the town is eager to open up more of the trail, which despite some concerns from abutters has brought positive attention to the community, including a recent feature on the Chronicle TV show, which dubbed it a hidden gem. 

"This project is hugely important to the town," she said.  Hapin said the Department of Public Works should be able to complete the upgrades by Spring even if a waiver is needed. 

Find out what's happening in Framinghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In other business Tuesday night, Selectmen: 

* Voted to support a grant application from the Planning Department to the MetroWest Moves Community Innovation Challenge Grant. The joint application with Hudson and Marlborough seeks $367,000 for mapping and planning, with the ultimate goal of creating more "complete streets" in the communities that feature bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks and accessible ramps. 

* Approved licenses for a second-hand license for Gold Refinery, which will open a second location at 1249 Worcester Rd. 

* Tentatively scheduled a tax classification hearing for Dec. 11, pending final approval of new valuations by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.


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