NON-BINDING BALLOT QUESTION FOR JUNE 27, 2020 ELECTION
This question is non-binding:
Do you favor, if there is no cost to Dedham taxpayers for design and construction, the creation of the so-called Dedham Heritage Rail Trail on the 10-acre parcel of public land that runs from East Street to the Boston/Readville line?
Summary: This non-binding ballot question, submitted in accordance with G.. c.53, s18A, asks voters to provide their opinion about whether they would support the design and construction of the so-called Dedham Heritage Rail Trail if there is no cost to Dedham taxpayers in connection therewith. Because of its non-binding nature, if the ballot question passes, it does not mandate that the Town go forward with the project. If the ballot question does not pass, it similarly does not mean that the project will never go forward. This question simply seeks the opinion of the voters of the Town of Dedham as to whether, at this time, it favors design and construction of the proposed rail trail if there are no municipal expenditures for design and construction.
A "YES" vote on this question shows non-binding support, if there is no cost to Dedham taxpayers, for the design and construction of the so-called Dedham Heritage Rail Trail.
A "NO" vote on this question shows non-binding opposition, if there is no cost to Dedham taxpayers, for the design and construction of the so-called Dedham Heritage Rail Trail.
Do you favor, if there is no cost to Dedham taxpayers for design and construction, the creation of the so-called Dedham Heritage Rail Trail on the 10-acre parcel of public land that runs from East Street to the Boston/Readville line?
Summary: This non-binding ballot question, submitted in accordance with G.. c.53, s18A, asks voters to provide their opinion about whether they would support the design and construction of the so-called Dedham Heritage Rail Trail if there is no cost to Dedham taxpayers in connection therewith. Because of its non-binding nature, if the ballot question passes, it does not mandate that the Town go forward with the project. If the ballot question does not pass, it similarly does not mean that the project will never go forward. This question simply seeks the opinion of the voters of the Town of Dedham as to whether, at this time, it favors design and construction of the proposed rail trail if there are no municipal expenditures for design and construction.
A "YES" vote on this question shows non-binding support, if there is no cost to Dedham taxpayers, for the design and construction of the so-called Dedham Heritage Rail Trail.
A "NO" vote on this question shows non-binding opposition, if there is no cost to Dedham taxpayers, for the design and construction of the so-called Dedham Heritage Rail Trail.
PROPONENT AND OPPONENT STATEMENTS
DISCLAIMER: The DEDHAM VOTER INFORMATION ACT, Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2002, Section 2, provides that the Board of Selectmen shall seek 250-word arguments from those best able to present the arguments for and against a ballot question, including a non-binding ballot question requested under the provisions of G.L. c.53, s.18A. In this case, these arguments have been prepared by ballot question committees formed specifically to influence the outcome of the vote. The 250-word arguments are written exclusively by the proponents and opponents of the question, and reflect their opinions only. The Town of Dedham did not have any part in drafting these arguments, does not endorse these arguments, and does not certify the truth or accuracy of any statement made therein. The names of the individuals and organization that wrote each argument, and any written comments by others about each argument are on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Women in Democracy Dedham (WINDD) is providing the proponent and opponent statements here exactly as they are printed in the information sent to Dedham voters. WINDD did not write these arguments, and does not endorse them or certify their truth or accuracy.
Women in Democracy Dedham (WINDD) is providing the proponent and opponent statements here exactly as they are printed in the information sent to Dedham voters. WINDD did not write these arguments, and does not endorse them or certify their truth or accuracy.
PROPONENT STATEMENT
The Dedham Heritage Rail Trail (DHRT) would convert neglected, town-owned land into a landscaped community trail for walking, jogging, and biking. The smooth, flat trail would be separate from traffic and safe for people of all ages and abilities. It would run from East Street along the rail corridor for 1.3 miles to East Dedham, where it would join an existing bike path in Readville. The DHRT would connect Dedham neighborhoods and provide safe routes to several schools, Dedham Square, and the Readville train station. Governor Baker and the MassDOT are committed to building these trails because they help reduce traffic and improve people's health and well-being. The State will pay for all construction costs, including privacy fencing. Grants and private donations would cover design costs. The design would include working with neighbors to protect their security and way of life. Many towns, including Topsfield, Medfield, and Danvers have developed their trails at no cost to the town. Dedham's rail corridor is now used for dumping and drug and alcohol use. Cleaning it up will drive out the bad use and help keep our town safe. Dedham's Police Chief has spoken with members of police departments in other communities that have trails, and they all report their trails are used as intended for health and recreation purposes. We all own this land; let's make it something we can be proud of. Please vote YES to enhance our town and quality of life. Visit dedhamrailtrail.org. Statement prepared by Friends of the Dedham Heritage Rail Trail. |
OPPONENT STATEMENT
A NO vote delivers a strong message of fiscal responsibility to Town and State officials to stop wasting taxpayer's money towards design and construction of a proposed 0.87-mile rail trail ending at Whiting Avenue Extension (Dedham Line), almost a mile from the Readville train station, and passing through Avery Elementary and Dedham High School campuses; putting our children at significant safety and security risks. The 2017 feasibility study estimates cost up to $10mil NOT including: building two bridges at Mt. Vernon and River Streets and installing 11,000 feet of fencing along abutting properties. The study identifies a dangerous lack of access points for emergency vehicles, thus requiring a "land grab" by state government of private properties by eminent domain. Costs unaccounted for in the estimate include $4mil (utility company estimate) to relocate River Street power lines and remediate documented ground contamination issues. A NO vote recognizes that "no-cost" municipal projects don't exist. Town Hall exemplifies an underestimated design and construction process, resulting in continuous construction delays and substantial cost over-runs, and all at taxpayer's expense. Grants are not free money. The process requires upfront matching funds of $2mil before being considered for approval. Moreover, grants will not be approved unless documented consent from abutters is submitted with the application. A clear majority of Town Meeting members voted NO rail trail development just two years ago. We ask you to vote NO to preserve our schools' safe zones, protect property owners' rights, and spare taxpayers yet another long-term tax burden. Statement prepared by the Committee to Vote No and Stop Funding of the Rail Corridor |