Rail Trail Article Approved By One Vote

If you needed proof that the residents of Lynnfield are split on the proposed Rail Trail, Monday's annual town meeting had your answer. Residents voted 342 yes, 341 no to Article 24, the closest vote any veterans of Lynnfield politics could recall. At least for a night, the Rail Trail supporters had a win.

Article 24 asked whether the town would vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to execute a lease of up to 99 years with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for all or any portion of the former Newburyport Branch railroad for the purpose of establishing a multi-use rail trail. A yes vote doesn't guarantee the rail trail will be built, and a no vote wouldn't have killed the proposal. Still, it was important to both sides to come out on top.

"I was very pleased with the vote," said Patrick Curley, who gave a presentation in support of the rail trail. "Both sides were heard very clearly tonight. The town spoke very clearly that they want the selectmen to take a leadership role on this and take the project to the next level. So I'm very excited by the result of the vote. The margin was close and ultimately it's about who wins on the vote, it's a majority vote and we won."

There were power points, talk of crime, finances, Reedy Meadow, a healthy dose of Robert's Rules of Order, and even a vote on whether to have Lynnfield's first secret ballot in almost 50 years. Throw in numerous residents stating their opinions including one of the 10 times Tricia Campbell was heard from, and it was a spirited debate. In the end town moderator Arthur Bourque called for a vote and as the tallies were added up from the middle school cafeteria and auditorium, amateur mathematicians could tell it was close. And they were right.

According to selectman Richard Dalton the ball is now in the rail trail supporter's court. The next step is securing financing to continue studying the project. The recently created Recreational Path Committee could also contribute.

There were other highlights to the 4 1/2 hour meeting.

Despite a room filled with voters who went to college in the 1970s, retail marijuana establishments were voted down for a third time by Lynnfield residents. Article 20 amended zoning bylaws, Article 21 general bylaws, and Article 22 added a temporary moratorium, all aimed at prohibiting retail marijuana sales. Article 22 passed by a 623-25 margin, showing residents complete dislike of all things marijuana.

Article 25 was approved, meaning work will begin soon on a new track for the middle school. Because of the condition of the track, Lynnfield hasn't had a home meet in five years. Needing 179 to pass, the Article received 210 votes. And when the track is built, Article 28 passed, meaning you'll have to keep your dog of the track along with other athletic playing surfaces in town.