Eminent Domain Language Concerns Rail Trail Opponents

DEDHAM, MA — The selectmen are going to let the process play out when it comes to the controversial Dedham Rail Trail project.

Supporters and opponents of the project were at last week's selectmen meeting during the open discussion portion of the meeting to discuss a town meeting article which would fund a design study and traffic study. Cindy Barich of Dedham Taxpayers For Responsible Spending was not only concerned about the $400,000 price tag for the study, but a part of the article which would authorize the selectmen to acquire by gift, purchase, or eminent domain the fee or any lesser interests in land that may be necessary to design, construct and operate the rail trail.

"Every resident should be aware that the current level of town engagement and cooperation with the abutters have reached a disparaging new low. The abutters have found no one advocating for them on the town side nor has anyone else reached for them," Barich said.

The eminent domain portion has been described as necessary legal language and Selectman Dennis Guilfoyle said the town would not take anyone's land.

Georganna Woods, a town meeting member and support of the rail trail, said people will have a chance to say how they feel at town meeting.

"We, the supporters of the trail, of the project, feel it would be a wonderful thing for the town. It's a healthy and wonderful thing many towns are doing," Woods said.

Selectmen Chairman Dennis Teehan said the board would let the process take place at town meeting.

"That's democracy and we have to let the process play out. I'm not necessarily saying I support the article. I think that people want to see this come for a vote and that's going to happen. The process should happen the way it should happen and town meeting will vote the way it wants," he said.

Teehan added that voters should remember what abutters have to say given that the project is near their homes.

The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for May 21.

Image via Town of Dedham