Public Comments Submitted to the Boston Region MPO

April 6, 2026

The following comments were submitted to the MPO during the development of the FFYs 2027-31 Transportation Improvement Program:

Letters

•  Project #610666: Swampscott–Swampscott Rail Trail
• Letter in concern from Massachusetts Bicycle Commission
• Letter in concern from State Senator Crighton and State Representative Armini
• Letter in concern from Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail
• Letter in concern from Craig Della Penna of Northeast Greenway Solutions
• Letter in concern from the Swampscott Select Board
• Letter in concern from the East Coast Greenway Alliance
• Letter in concern from the Essex National Heritage Commission
• Letter in concern from the Swampscott School Committee and Superintendent
• Letter in concern from the Swampscott Conservancy
• Letter in concern from a Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail board member
• Letter in concern from a member of the Swampscott Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee
• Five letters in concern from Swampscott residents

Comments

• Project #610666: Swampscott–Swampscott Rail Trail
• Two comments in concern from the Town of Swampscott and its committees
• 76 comments in concern from Swampscott residents
• One comment in concern from an Arlington resident
• Two comments in concern from Beverly residents
• Three comments in concern from Boston residents
• Two comments in concern from Georgetown residents
• Two comments in concern from Gloucester residents
• One comment in concern from a Lynn resident
• One comment in concern from a Lynnfield resident
• Two comments in concern from Malden residents
• Four comments in concern from Marblehead residents
• One comment in concern from a Melrose resident
• One comment in concern from a Newton resident
• One comment in concern from a Rockport resident
• Three comments in concern from Salem residents
• Three comments in concern from Somerville residents
• One comment from a Westford resident
• Seven other comments

March 19, 2026

Mr. David Mohler
Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116
TIP@ctps.org

RE: Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666)

Mr. Mohler,

On behalf of the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike), I am writing to express our strong support for the Boston MPO to advance the funding for the Swampscott Rail Trail project. This crucial portion of the Border to Boston trail faces a significant gap in Swampscott, but otherwise is nearly entirely
connected from Salem to Boston, with the potential to open up access to the nearly 400,000 people who live in the cities and towns along the trail corridor.

We recently learned that our project may be in discussion to be removed from the TIP list. I’m sure you are aware the Town is awaiting $9.8M for construction of the remainder of the trail, including a bridge over a major thoroughfare. To delay this project will have major implications on the continuity of the
regional trail network, hampering connections throughout eastern Massachusetts, from Salisbury to Boston, hinder access to the Essex Heritage Trail, be a disconnect in the East Coast Greenway, and prevent safe access to the MBTA Commuter Rail system.

If this project stalls, this will only increase costs due to inflation and other factors. This will also delay connectivity and accessibility for thousands of residents and travelers who will be forced onto dangerous roadways, and will be a detriment for people needing low-stress and safe accommodations to access the trail networks.

Please do not delay the advancement of this project. Thank you for your attention and consideration regarding this important issue.

Best Regards,
Galen Mook
Executive Director
Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition

March 19, 2026
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116

Dear Members of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization,

We are writing in strong support of the Swampscott Rail Trail being included and funded as part of the current Transportation Improvement Program. The Swampscott Rail Trail is a critical link connecting many neighborhoods and provides safe off-road transportation across the town.
Residents in Swampscott have been working on this project for decades, and their dedication and commitment have resulted in significant progress.

The Swampscott Rail Trail is part of the Border to Boston Trail and the East Coast Greenway, connecting the North Shore to trails spanning from Maine to Florida. Since 2017, residents and community organizations including Friends of the Rail Trail have diligently followed this project through survey work, planning, and construction. The first two segments of the Rail Trail were constructed in 2020, with the remaining segments programmed through the TIP. They have continued to follow through the necessary design, engineering work, and funding to see the project through completion. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to continue to make progress on this transformative project for the entire North Shore region.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Brendan P. Crighton
State Senator
Third Essex District

Jennifer Armini
State Representative
Eighth Essex District

March 16, 2026

Mr. David Mohler
Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
c/o Mr. Ethan LaPointe,
TIP@ctps.org

Dear Mr. Mohler and members of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization:

I am once again writing to you on behalf of the community group Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail to respectfully urge the MPO to retain the Swampscott Rail Trail (Project #610666) on the Transportation Improvement Program for FFY 2029. This project has broad community support, a long planning history, and increasing importance as a safe, off-road transportation corridor for residents of all ages.

The Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail was created in 2017 by residents to advocate for, fundraise toward, and support the creation and long-term maintenance of the Rail Trail. In 2024 we became a federally recognized nonprofit to expand our fundraising capacity. Our work builds on decades of earlier local advocacy efforts dedicated to realizing this long-anticipated community asset.

Our organization represents the thousands of Swampscott residents who voted in favor of the Rail Trail in 2017, as well as individuals and businesses who have financially supported the project. We also represent the Swampscott residents who are not involved in local politics or community planning, but who will benefit just as much from the completion of this community path. Our actions speak louder than words - to date we have contributed $188,000 towards design and engineering costs - $150,000 in 2022 and an additional $38,000 this year to ensure the project remains eligible for inclusion on the TIP. We remain committed to continued fundraising to advance the project to 100% design and construction readiness.

Since my last letter, the need for the Rail Trail has only grown more urgent. Swampscott’s new consolidated elementary school (nearly 800 students) and middle school (over 700 students) are both located adjacent to or within blocks of the proposed trail corridor. Ongoing challenges maintaining bus service heighten the importance of providing a safe, off-road route across town, including a protected crossing over busy Route 1A. The Rail Trail offers a critical solution that improves student safety, reduces vehicle congestion, and supports active transportation.

For these reasons, we strongly urge the MPO to continue its support for this project by keeping the Swampscott Rail Trail on the FFY 2029 TIP. The lasting benefits—to public safety, mobility, environmental sustainability, and community well-being—extend well beyond Swampscott.

Thank you for your continued consideration.

Sincerely,
Alexis Runstadler, Board President
Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail

Mr. David Mohler, Chair March 16, 2026
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116

RE: Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666)

Good day Mr. Mohler,

I’m writing today regarding the Swampscott project noted above to thank you, for your flagging-out that the rail trail project was starting to fall-behind in your transportation delivery timeline. I haven’t written to you in a long time and I wanted to get you up to speed on things from both an ’on-the-ground’ level and a ‘high-altitude’ perspective.

I’ll just add in that the last four pages here are a nicely-done, stand-alone booklet produced by the Town of Sudbury’s Select Board about the coming Mass Central Rail Trail. Yes Sudbury. Late last year, they sent me a series of questions to answer as to how the town was going to change/evolve with the completion of the trail. Here’s a link to the document. greenwaysolutions.org/sudbury-selectboard. Share it with your staff as it will brighten their day.

But first, the “on-the-ground level”. I know you are going to be getting some beautiful and heartwarming letters from a lot of people who have a direct, local, tie-in to the Swampscott Rail Trail and how impactful the trail is going to be. I can’t wait to see them, but from my position, with my experience of how trails get built (or not get built) in lots of places and not just Mass, my first thought, when I saw the news of Swampscott in danger of “falling off the TIP,” was one of impending danger. Not just for Swampscott, but from a broader perspective. I see a bright red, flashing warning signal for the entire state.

Swampscott is not a frail and forlorn place. For them to be in danger of falling off the TIP is a warning of bigger failures ahead or a delayed completion of the MCRT which will be catastrophic to a host of communities in Central Mass.

I’m sure you remember when we did a report about the Mass Central Rail Trail a couple of years ago. (Link here. https://tinyurl.com/MCRT-Report) This was the first highly-credentialed report about the economic impact of a long rail trail in New England, but it also uncovered something never heard of before. The idea of Gateway Towns. Very frail and forlorn places but, not really on anyone’s radar screen.

Having Swampscott fall off the TIP is really scary because the final buildout of the MCRT or other places where gaps need to be filled is NOT going to be accomplished by the MassTrails grants to local land land trusts or other NGOs. If a robust place like Swampscott can’t easily navigate the TIP process, then we need to sound the alarm. As the saying goes, Houston, we have a problem.
I think we need to have DCR navigate the TIP for all the critical rail trails projects across the state. DCR has started to re-invest in the agency by hiring technically adept people. This has begun to facilitate their delivery of needed documents to bring projects to a ground breaking and ribbon-cuttings. They’ve brought on 21st century leadership who are both experienced and inspirational.

Lets do all the critical rail trails and the ones with major, complicated gaps, in-house where a different dynamic will take hold and accelerate things without angst or drama. The densest network of dead steam RR corridor in North America is within 150 miles of my house here in MassDOT District 2. There is nothing else like this being developed anywhere in the U.S. It will never ever get built out with towns having an outsized and important role. Let’s treat it as the important and transformational task it is.

In fact, let’s treat it like the last time a big, transformative, transportation related, task came before the state. That was a little over 50 years when both the legislature and the executive branch came together and created both the 161-C and 40-54A regs that defend corridor by giving the state a role in any sale or construction near former RR corridor.

And they also bought every mile of both live RR and dead RR owned by the B&M and New Haven RRs inside of I-495. Almost 1,000 miles. All because a town did something the state level entities didn’t like.

We are at same level of catastrophic endangerment. Ironically, I have a lecture coming up on this Wednesday the 18th at 6 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing at 14 Tyler St Somerville, MA 02143. I’ll be talking extensively about the 50 year journey to build out this network. Please come or at least have several of your key staff come. Let’s fix this.

And finally, thank you for all the years of service in a leadership role at MassDOT. It is very heartwarming to see how your agency has transformed into the 21st century under your leadership.

Best regards,

Craig Della Penna, Principal

March 10, 2026

David Mohler, Chair
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116
TIP@ctps.org

Dear Chairman Mohler and Members of the Boston MPO,

On behalf of the Town of Swampscott, I am writing to express our strong support for keeping the Swamscott Rail Trail project on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This project is a vital community initiative that promotes safe, sustainable transportation options, encourages active recreation, and enhances regional connectivity.

The Rail Trail will provide a multi-use path for pedestrains and cyclists, linking residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and public spaces. It aligns with the region's goals of improving non-motorized transportation infrastructure, increasing mobility options, and supporting public health and environmental sustainability.

The town has made significant progress on project planning and design and remains committed to collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Boston MPO, and other partners to ensure successful implementation. Removing the project from the TIP at this stage would jeopardize these efforts and delay the tangible benefits the trail will bring to the community.

We respectfully request that the Boston MPO maintain the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP so that it can continue moving forward without disruption. Thank you for your consideration and continued support of transportation projects that enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Sincerly,

Nick Connors, Town Administrator

March 17, 2026

David Mohler, Chair
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116

RE: Town of Swampscott Rail Trail and the MPO TIP

Dear Chair Mohler and Members of the Boston Region MPO Board,

I am writing on behalf of the East Coast Greenway Alliance (ECGA) to urge you to retain the Swampscott Rail Trail in the state’s current Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The ECGA is a developing 3,000-mile accessible, active transportation and recreation route connecting communities from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida. Our route through Massachusetts will eventually utilize the entire 70+ miles of envisioned and existing Border to Boston trail, including the Swampscott Rail Trail.

The Swampscott Rail Trail is a critical link between the Lynn Shore Promenade, and by extension the Northern Strand Trail, and the Marblehead Rail Trail to the north. As connections advance to the south through Lynn’s on-road improvements, interest will continue to grow for locals and longer distance users alike who want to walk and bike the Border to Boston Trail and the East Coast Greenway. The current on-road connection through Swampscott is not safe or comfortable for all users, making the advancement of the Swampscott Rail trail increasingly critical for user safety along with active transportation and economic development efforts in the region.

We understand that the Swampscott Rail Trail is a complex project involving many design and right-of-way challenges that can cause delays. Despite this, the Town and MassDOT have continued to work tirelessly towards achieving 25% Design. Removal from the current TIP would be a significant loss of momentum at a time when it is sorely needed.

We hope that the Boston Region MPO will continue to support this project and the Town’s ongoing efforts to advance it. The ECGA is firmly committed to the Border to Boston Trail vision and each community working on the ground to bring that vision to life. Thank you in advance for your consideration on this matter.

Sincerely,

Dennis Markatos-Soriano
Executive Director

Emily Paskewicz
Northern New England Manager

March 11, 2026

David Mohler, Chair
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116

RE: Town of Swampscott Rail Trail and the MPO TIP

Dear Chair Mr. Mohler and Members of the Boston Region MPO Board,

I am writing to urge you to retain the Swampscott Rail Trail in the current Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

For over 20 years, Essex Heritage has worked closely with 14 communities along the Border to Boston Rail Trail. When completed, the Border to Boston Rail Trail will provide 70+ miles of safe, off road travel from the New Hampshire border to Boston. During these two decades, we have seen great progress on the trail but we recognize that there is still more work to be done. One of the critical links still to be built is the Swampscott Rail Trail. Therefore, it is extremely important that this portion of the trail not be dropped from the TIP as doing so will deal a serious setback not only to the Town of Swampscott Rail Trail but, also, to the Border to Boston Rail Trail and the East Coast Greenway.

We understand that the Swampscott Rail Trail is a complex project and that it has taken years to work out many of the design and right-of-way issues. With the help of MassDOT, the Town of Swampscott has been working diligently and steadily on these issues and now is close to completing 25% design phase. If the project is dropped from the TIP, it will undermine the significant progress and momentum that have been achieved.

Within Swampscott, the Rail Trail matters in many concrete ways. When completed, the trail will connect residents to two public schools, the commuter rail station, and to the downtown area via a safe, off-road route for walking and biking — providing exactly the kind of practical, car-free connection that communities across the Commonwealth are working to create. It is especially important in such a densely settled area as Swampscott that we have an off-road corridor that offers a safe alternative for pedestrians and cyclists.

As mentioned above, the Swampscott Rail Trail is also an important part of the larger Border to Boston Trail, and it provides an especially critical link because it goes through such a densely settled part of our region where there aren’t any safe, on-road options. The Swampscott Trail and the larger Border to Boston Rail Trail are also part of the East Coast Greenway, the 3,000-mile route running from Maine to Florida. Trail continuity matters greatly to this long distant trail. We cannot afford to have Swampscott left out.

I hope the MPO will continue to support this project and the town’s good-faith efforts to advance it. Essex Heritage remains committed to the Border to Boston Trail and to the communities working to make it a reality. We appreciate your careful consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,
Annie C. Harris
Chief Executive Officer
Essex National Heritage Commission

March 18, 2026

Ethan Lapointe, Senior Plaimer, TIP
Central Transportation Planning Staff
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
elapointe@ctps.org
RE: SWAMPSCOTT RAIL TRAIL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT 610666

Dear Mr. Lapointe:

We are writing in support of completion of the Swampscott Rail Trail. We respectfully ask the MPO to continue to support our project.

The Swampscott Rail Trail represents an important investment in our town. From the School Conunittee perspective, this investment is critical for our students. The proposed Swampscott Rail Trail passes close to all three schools in town. We bus less than 10% of our 2200 students and desperately want this trail completed to provide a healthy and safe route to our schools.

Swampscott is a town of three square miles, it is ve1y dense. In the mornings our na1rnw neighborhood streets and commuting routes are congested with hunied commuters; families rushing for a front spot in school drop off lines; high school drivers mshing to get friends and their Dunks before the bell; bike riders on and off sidewalks; and walkers, strollers, dogs clogging the limited sidewalks we do have. In the afternoon, we have much of the same- high school drivers, loaded with teammates and headed to the fields arotmd town; parents wrangling for prime pick up spots around the schools and in pick up lanes; large groups of tired/excited/distracted students wallcing and bilcing home, to a friend's home, to pizza, to activities ... back to Dunks. Twice a day Swampscott looks like Mid-town Manhattan and can feel just as unsafe.

Establishing a much-needed healthy and safe path to schools and recreation is a priority. We want a path that connects school friends who live throughout the entire town. We want our excited and distracted students to walk in groups and enjoy each other within the safety of a confined path. We want more exposure to nature and outdoor space for our tech obsessed students. We want the Swampscott Rail Trail to be completed.

Mr. Lapointe, we need the MPO's support to get the Swampscott Rail Trail built for our students and our community. We respectfully ask the MPO to continue to support our project

Thank you in advance for your support, we look forward to seeing the trail completed!

Swampscott School Committee & Superintendent

Jason Calichman
Glenn Paster
Suzanne Wright

Superintendent of Swampscott Schools

Miguel Contreras

March 10, 2026

David Mohler , Chair
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116
TIP@ctps.org

Re: Funding for the Swampscott Rail Trail

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing on behalf of the Swampscott Conservancy , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the protection and enhancement of natural resources on the Northshore, to strongly urge the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization t o keep Swampscott’s Rail Trail project on the state’s Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) list for funding.

So long in the planning, this two- mile community path located on a former rail corridor will run the length of Swampscott and link neighborhoods, schools, parks, and the MBTA Commuter Rail station. Given the state’s interest and recent efforts in encouraging sustainability and improved access to public transportation, Swampscott’s Rail Trail , by linking a large part of the town to the commuter rail, will help the state meet its objectives in this regard .

The proposed rail trail ’s off- road access and connection to three schools, including a new 900 student district wide K - 4 grade school , will also provide parents and students a safe active transit solution that would reduce air pollution, encourage fitness and healthy lifestyle.

By getting people out of their cars and starting to bike and walk more, trails like
Swampscott’s will help fight climate change in a meaningful way given that the
transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, Swampscott Rail Trail also supports the state ’s interest and efforts, through policy initiatives and legislation , to combat climate change , in particular the new bill that would push the state’s transportation system to reduce vehicle miles traveled .

The rail trail will provide non - polluting forms of transportation, such as cycling and walking, and so help decrease the amount of carbon dioxide and other global warming gases emitted into the atmosphere. Even though the fuel efficiency of our cars may be improving in recent years, it’s negated by the fact that we’re driving more. To drive less, we need safe alternatives for cycling and walking. Providing these alternatives will be an important part of managing climate change .

The Swampscott Rail Trail will provide much needed open space in Town and will fill a recognized critical gap in the regional trail network. Constructing this gap will meet goals established by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council as well as add addition al off- road mileage to the East Coast Greenway and the Border to Boston Trail.

The Swampscott Conservancy actively collaborates with Town of Swampscott committees, boards, commissions, and departments, as well as other non - profit entities, to maintain and improve public open spaces. We intend to work with the Town in designing and providing native plants along the trail. Such plantings have multiple benefits. They create a low maintenance border, saving costs for ongoing upkeep of the trail. Native plantings also provide sources of food for insects (butterflies, honeybees, etc.) and a nimals (birds, chipmunks, and other small warm - blooded animals) that live in the area and forage these plants. Such plantings also provide opportunities for education regarding native planting, which is particularly important during our era of climate chan ge. And, of course, such vegetation provides evidence of the beauty that exists in nature in New England.

We hope that the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization will keep this multi - beneficial project on the TIP list for funding.

Sincerely,
Toni Bandrowicz, President
Swampscott Conservancy

51 Suffolk Ave.
Swampscott, Massachusetts 01907
fweiner@bradleymoorelaw.com

March 16, 2026

Mr. David Mohler
Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
10 Park Plaza
Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116
TIP@ctps.org

RE: SWAMPSCOTT RAIL TRAIL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT 610666

Dear Mr. Mohler:

I am writing in support of completion of the Swampscott Rail Trail. I have lived in Swampscott for more than 50 years. The Rail Trail was the first major project I became involved with. I have volunteered on this project since 2017. I envisioned walking and biking safely, surrounded by peace, nature, and beauty, to Marblehead and Salem. I have been an abutter of the proposed trail since 1996, and I look forward to its completion. It will be a wonderful improvement to the town’s landscape.

I am grateful that Swampscott Town Meeting members (including myself) have consistently supported creation of the Rail Trail. We are asking for the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s continued support of the Swampscott Rail Trail and the inclusion of this project (#610666) for funding in FY29 or sooner if feasible.

As a bike rider and walker, the trails in surrounding communities have been important to my health and wellness. I regularly bike the nearby Trails. It has been a blessing to experience life along the trails. I absolutely love the portion we have completed in Swampscott and eagerly anticipate its extension!

I am not the only one who is waiting. The Rail Trail runs through the middle of our small town, connecting the three neighborhoods where our elementary schools were once located, before they were consolidated in 2024. The proposed trail would run close to Swampscott High School, behind Swampscott Middle School and to the new Swampscott Elementary School. Families, students and teachers will have a protected, safe, and stress-free way to travel to school (we bus less than 10% of elementary school children). Residents will experience less congestion and stress commuting through town.

Mr. Mohler, we need the MPO’s support to get the Swampscott Rail Trail built. Our community needs and desperately wants the trail. I respectfully ask the MPO to continue to support our project.

Thank you in advance for your support, we look forward to seeing the trail completed!

Frances J. Weiner
Board Member, Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail

March 13, 2026

David Mohler, Chair
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116
TIP@ctps.org

RE: Swampscott Rail Trail Funding

On behalf of the Swampscott Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee, I am urging the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization to keep Swampscott’s Rail Trail project on the Massachusetts Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) list for funding.

In addition to being one of the specific objectives of Swampscott’s 2013 and 2020 Open Space & Recreation Plans, the creation of the Rail Trail was identified as a top priority by residents in the Town’s master planning
process. “The rail trail has been one of the most supported open space and transportation initiatives during this planning process,” the final Swampscott 2025 Master Plan notes, “[it] could serve as the spine of a town wide green corridor network and offer an additional transportation option for bicycle commuters.” Providing an alternative walking and biking route away from traffic, especially for our children, we believe provides a very strong incentive for the creation of the Rail Trail.

In addition to promoting healthy recreation and transportation by providing a place for adults and children to walk and safely ride their bikes, the Swampscott Rail Trail will add accessible green space to a Town woefully short on open space. Frederick Law Olmsted, creator of New York City’s Central Park and Boston’s “Emerald Necklace” of parks, as well as our own Olmsted District here in Swampscott, would have wholeheartedly approved of the proposed Rail Trail. He was a believer in the benefits of green space. Parks are the “lungs of the city,” he said, and “the heart of the community.”

The Rail Trail’s 90,000 square foot linear park running the length of Swampscott will provide access for all the Town’s residents to open space for enjoying recreation, the outdoors, and our community. It will give Swampscott’s residents needed space to breathe and a better connection to our community. The rail trail will also be in line with the Commonwealth’s initiatives and legislation promoting MBTA use and reduce driving. It will provide safety for children walking and biking to school, keeping them healthy, while also reducing harmful air pollution. Swampscott’s rail trail will provide a connection to other rail trails in the community, increasing the likelihood of use and providing a healthy and safe alternative to driving.

I appreciate your time and attention to this matter. Please contact me with any questions you may have. We hope that the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization will keep this multi-beneficiary project on the TIP list for funding.

Thank you,
Tania Lillak, Chair
Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee

Margaret G. Barmack
42 Walker Road
Swampscott, MA 01907
mbarmack@gmail.com

March 18, 2026

Mr. David Mohler, Chair
Boston Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116
TIP@ctps.org

Re: Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666)

Dear Mr. Mohler:

This letter is meant to encourage the State Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to support the Swampscott Rail Trail. For more than twenty years, the Swampscott Town Meeting has endorsed the Rail Trail. As an early member of the town committee appointed to make the Rail Trail a reality, I am thrilled that this may finally happen.

The Swampscott Rail Trail will connect to the Marblehead Rail Trail, which bikers, runners and walkers have greatly enjoyed for many years. The land in Swampscott is particularly lovely, and the combined Trail will be a joy for everyone who uses it.

Funding by TIP is essential to the success of this project, and I sincerely believe this will be an excellent use of TIP’s resources.

Very truly yours,
Margaret G. Barmack

--

March 13, 2026

Mr. David Mohler, Chair
Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150
Boston, MA 02116
C/O Ethan LaPointe, elapointe@ctps.org
CC: tip@ctps.org

RE: Swampscott Rail Trail (Project 610666)

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I have been a resident of Swampscott for 33 years and am writing to express my opposition to the town of Swampscott’s request for funding related to the Swampscott Rail Trail. I last wrote to you in March of 2025 and my concerns remain.

I’ve joined many meetings over the years, and am impressed by the dedication to a fair process shown by both MPO and MassDOT and more recently, by the extensive work the MPO has done to improve the project readiness guidelines. I find it most disconcerting that the town of Swampscott, who has not made a Pre-25% design submission, nor has it updated the projected cost since its 2019 estimate, is asking to be an exception to the MPO project readiness guidelines.

As you may recall from my letters in prior years, I feel this project was ill conceived and poorly planned since its inception back in the late 90s. Each year I have sent a letter to MPO outlining my concerns. I am one of 30 landowners in this dense section from Humphrey St. to Marblehead who own the land. My deed has been corrected along with National Grid’s consent, to reflect our ownership, along with many others along this corridor. The town does not own this land. Based on the design plan, the town would be forced to take this by eminent domain, which is no small or inexpensive feat. Furthermore, to use it for a recreational path is misguided and I believe setting an unsettling precedent.

We live in a beautiful seaside town with tremendous access to the coastline, including a well maintained boardwalk from Swampscott, along Lynn Shore Drive and into Nahant. We are also lucky to have not only our own Harold King Forest with a 1 mile walking loop, but we are in close proximity to Salem
Woods and Lynn Woods, allowing plenty of opportunity for walking and recreation. Respectfully, this is not the time to be destroying trees and vegetation to build a trail.

We respectfully request that the town of Swampscott’s request for funding related to this project be denied.

Sincerely,
Maura and Bill Carroll
33 Morton Road, Swampscott, MA 01907

--

432 Humphrey Street #11
Swampscott, Massachusetts 01907
February 24, 2026

Ethan Lapointe, Senior Planner, TIP
Central Transportation Planning Staff
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
elapointe@ctps.org

RE: SWAMPSCOTT RAIL TRAIL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT 610666

Dear Mr. Lapointe:

I am writing in support of completion of the Swampscott Rail Trail. I have lived in Swampscott for 20 years and have also lived in Marblehead, where the entire trail was completed a number of years ago, running from the Salem line to the Swampscott line. Salem’s trail is heavily used by Salem State University students who live nearby or in one of the on-campus dorms, and Lynn’s trail is used by commuters to Boston. Swampscott’s trail is right in between, and is partially completed. I am so grateful that Swampscott Town Meeting members have consistently supported creation of the Rail Trail. I am asking the Metropolitan Planning Organization to continue its support of the Swampscott Rail Trail by including this project (#610666) for funding in 2029 or even sooner if possible.

Use of the trail has grown following completion of the first two sections. Many residents, including me have contributed to “Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail” enabling the group to make a donation toward design and engineering work.

Volunteers can regularly be seen picking up litter, planting shrubbery and flowers. As a former rail bed, the Rail Trail in particular is prone to having invasive plant species, because nothing was ever deliberately planted on the train tracks. The Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail has worked with the Swampscott Conservancy identifying and removing invasive plants and replacing them with native species. The aim of this effort is to complete this recreational trail while adding more native trees and plants than have ever existed along this beautiful pathway. Our Rail Trail is prominently featured as one of the “Green Corridors” in Swampscott.

I look forward to seeing the trail completed and thank you in advance for your support for this project!

Sincerely,
Emily Andreano

--

2.25.26

6 Humphrey Terrace
Swampscott, Massachusetts 01907
zanwright@gmail.com

Ethan Lapointe, Senior Planner, TIP
Central Transportation Planning Staff
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
elapointe@ctps.org

RE: SWAMPSCOTT RAIL TRAIL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT 610666

Dear Mr. Lapointe:

I am writing in support of completion of the Swampscott Rail Trail. I have lived in Swampscott for more than 30 years and have always been an active community volunteer, the Rail Trail was the first project I became involved with, in 1995(!). I envisioned walking my children, safely, surrounded by nature, to Marblehead, to their grandparent’s home. Parents are dead, children have grown and flown and still no completed rail trail through Swampscott.

I am grateful that Swampscott Town Meeting members (including myself) have consistently supported creation of the Rail Trail. We are asking for the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s continued support of the Swampscott Rail Trail and the inclusion of this project (#610666) for funding in FY29 or sooner if feasible.

As a runner, bike, rider and dog walker, the trails in surrounding communities have been important to my health and wellness. I regularly bike the Northern Strand Trail and the Danvers and Topsfield trails. It has been a blessing to experience life along the trails and to commute almost all the way to Boston, quickly, quietly and safely. I absolutely love the little portion we have completed in Swampscott and eagerly await more!

It is not just me waiting, as Chair of the School Building Committee, one promise I made to my community was safe routes to school. The Rail Trail runs through the middle of our small town, connecting the three neighborhoods where our elementary schools were once located, before they were
consolidated in 2024. The proposed trail would run close to Swampscott High School, behind Swampscott Middle School and to the new Swampscott Elementary School. Families, students and teachers will have a protected, safe, and stress free way to travel to school (we bus less than 10% of elementary school children). Residents will experience less congestion and stress commuting through town.

Mr. Lapointe, we need the MPO’s support to get the Swampscott Rail Trail built. Our community needs and desperately wants the trail. I respectfully ask the MPO to continue to support our project

Thank you in advance for your support, we look forward to seeing the trail completed!

Suzanne Wright

--

March 18, 2026
David Mohler, Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
RE: Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666)

Dear David Mohler,

I am a resident of Swampscott and a sustainability Professor at Salem State University. For about 7 months of the year, I ride my bike here in Swampscott and Salem. Many of my friends and students who see me riding my bike say that they would also, only if there were safe areas to ride. Roads are infrastructure created for cars and in recent years the towns have altered roads to accommodate bicycles but in many areas it is still dangerous for bikers. A rail trial would provide a needed safe infrastructure for bicycles. In the capacity of my job, I also encourage people to ride their bikes and I encourage you to maintain potential funding for a bike-safe trail in Swampscott.

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

Sincerely,
Stephen Young

12 Hillcrest Circle
Swampscott, MA 01907
Geography and Sustainability Department
Salem State University
Salem, MA 01970
Syoung@salemsate.edu

Town of Swampscott and Its Committees

Dear Chair Mohler and Members of the Boston Region MPO,

I am writing to express my support for the timely construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail and to urge the MPO to keep the project on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as scheduled.

The construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail has long been identified as one of the community’s top priorities and remains a central goal of the Town of Swampscott’s Master Plan. The project enjoys broad support from residents, community organizations, and local officials.

To date, approximately $1 million in local and community funding has already been invested in the planning, design, engineering, and easement work needed to advance the project— including $850,000 authorized by Town Meeting and $150,000 contributed by the Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail. Removing or delaying the project at this stage would risk wasting these substantial investments and undermining years of community planning and commitment.

Delaying or removing funding would harm a broadly supported community initiative that has been years in the making. I respectfully urge the MPO to maintain the project’s funding and timeline so the Town of Swampscott can move forward on this important community and regional priority.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Edward ""Ted"" Dooley
Chair, Swampscott Planning Board

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

The Swampscott for All Ages Committee is writing to express our strong support for the timely construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail and to urge that the project remain on the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The Swampscott Rail Trail represents a broadly supported community investment that will benefit residents of all ages. When completed, the trail will provide a safe, accessible corridor for walking, biking and mobility devices. It will serve families seeking safe recreation, older adults who value accessible outdoor spaces, and commuters looking for healthier and more sustainable transportation options.

Over the past several years, substantial time, effort and financial resources have been invested to advance this project through design and engineering. Tens of thousands of dollars in grants and donations, along with significant volunteer and municipal effort, have helped bring the project to this point in the TIP process. Removing the project now and eliminating the $9.8 million programmed for construction would undermine those investments and delay a project that has strong community support.

For these reasons, the Swampscott for All Ages Committee respectfully urges the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization to keep the Swampscott Rail Trail on the TIP and support its timely construction.

Thank you for your consideration and for your continued work to advance transportation projects that improve the health, mobility and quality of life for communities across the region.

Sincerely,
Swampscott for All Ages Committee
Swampscott, Massachusetts

Swampscott Residents

Dear Mr. Lapointe,

In anticipation of your upcoming March meetings on MPO funding, I want to register my and my husband's strong support for the Swampscott Rail Trail. The trail is essential to addressing traffic problems in town which are potentially dangerous to walkers and bicyclists, including commuters to our schools. There are narrow sidewalks and many walkers and bikers who have to enter the streets to maneuver. We desperately need the trail to provide a safe path for travel, and a recreational asset to our small town.

I know there are people who challenge the trail for all sorts of questionable reasons. But, the fact is that the vast majority of townspeople are eagerly and sometimes impatiently waiting for the remainder of the trail to be created. We love the small new segment but we want to be able to travel through our town, not just to Marblehead's trail!.

Please make all efforts to expedite our funding. Sincerely,
Jennifer Honig and Chris Muntiu

—

Dear Mr. Lapointe:

I am writing in support of completion of the Swampscott Rail Trail. I have lived in Swampscott for more than 30 years and have always been an active community volunteer, the Rail Trail was the first project I became involved with, in 1995(!). I envisioned walking my children, safely, surrounded by nature, to Marblehead, to their grandparent’s home. Parents are dead, children have grown and flown and still no completed rail trail through Swampscott. I am grateful that Swampscott Town Meeting members (including myself) have consistently supported creation of the Rail Trail. We are asking for the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s continued support of the Swampscott Rail Trail and the inclusion of this project (#610666) for funding in FY29 or sooner if feasible. As a runner, bike, rider and dog walker, the trails in surrounding communities have been important to my health and wellness. I regularly bike the Northern Strand Trail and the Danvers and Topsfield trails. It has been a blessing to experience life along the trails and to commute almost all the way to Boston, quickly, quietly and safely. I absolutely love the little portion we have completed in Swampscott and eagerly await more! It is not just me waiting, as Chair of the School Building Committee, one promise I made to my community was safe routes to school. The Rail Trail runs through the middle of our small town, connecting the three neighborhoods where our elementary schools were once located, before they were consolidated in 2024. The proposed trail would run close to Swampscott High School, behind Swampscott Middle School and to the new Swampscott Elementary School. Families, students and teachers will have a protected, safe, and stress free way to travel to school (we bus less than 10% of elementary school children). Residents will experience less congestion and stress commuting through town.
Mr. Lapointe, we need the MPO’s support to get the Swampscott Rail Trail built. Our community needs and desperately wants the trail. I respectfully ask the MPO to continue to support our project. Thank you in advance for your support, we look forward to seeing the trail completed!
Suzanne Wright

—

Dear Mr. Lapointe,

I’m writing to ask that you please keep the Rail Trail project in the TIP and not remove the $9.8 million allocated for construction.

The pedestrian bridge over Paradise Road alone would make a huge safety difference for our kids and families. This project has strong community support and has already faced multiple delays.
Please allow it to move forward as planned. Thank you,
Jenny Galacar

—

Greetings Mr. Mohler.

I'm a frequent user of the Swampscott and Marblehead Rail Trails, and I've been hoping to bike beyond those this summer. I'm more than disappointed by the news that the Rail Trail has been targeted as a funding cut.

So many municipalities have invested time, money, work, and advocacy to get their parts of the trail built. It's shocking that this project will become a failure and lead to dead ends. Losing the opportunity to expand open space that can be used and appreciated by many diverse people of all ages is a crime.
Please, what can be done to retain the funding? Thank you.
Deb Newman

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I seek your support for the timely construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail, keeping the project on the TIP.

• The Trail will benefit local families, seniors, and commuters and open up new green space for the community.
• Delaying or removing funding would significantly harm a broadly supported community project.

Very truly yours, Joan Honig

—

Dear Mr David Mohler,
I am writing in response to hearing that our future state funding for the continued effort to get our beloved rail trail might be cut. Please help by keeping the project on the TIP. The rail trail will benefit so many families, commuters, and nature lovers. A fantastic opportunity to breathe in fresh air! Delaying or removing funding would harm a broadly supported community project.
Please help us! Sincerely, Molly Conner

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

As Swampscott residents, my husband and I are reaching out to voice our strong support for the long-planned Rail Trail to remain on the state’s Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) list for funding. Delaying or removing funding would harm a broadly supported community project.

So long in the planning, this two-mile community path located on a former rail corridor, will run the length of Swampscott and link neighborhoods, schools, parks, and the MBTA Commuter Rail Station. The proposed rail trail’s off-road access and connection to three schools, including a new 900 student district wide K-4 grade school, will also provide parents and students a safe active transit solution that would reduce air pollution, encourage fitness and healthy lifestyle.

The Swampscott Rail Trail will provide much needed open space in Town and will fill a recognized critical gap in the regional trail network. Constructing this gap will meet goals established by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council as well as add additional off-road mileage to the East Coast Greenway and the Border to Boston Trail.

In closing, we hope that the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization will keep this multi-beneficial project at the forefront for funding.

Sincerely,
Loyce and Peter Lawlor

—
I am kindly writing to request that you continue the funding for the Swampscott Rail Trail. This trail runs very close to my home and near the middle school and the new elementary school. This trail would not only provide for the continuation of the wonderful trail from Salem and Marblehead into Swampscott, but would also be a safe alternative for students in our community to safely get to school. Thank you for your consideration.

Steven Fafel

—

Hi
I would encourage you to proceed with efforts to revitalize the Swampscott rail trail. Substantial amount of planning work have already been completed, and would serve as a pedestrian byway for the region, connecting Marblehead Swampscott all the way through Lynn. As a local resident, I would find this very appealing. I have read there have been questions as to whether to continue with this project, change is hard, and hard for some to see the benefits this would provide.

Matt Burdge

—

The citizens of Swampscott have waited patiently for the completion of a Rail Trail in our community. Not often a project comes along that benefits all, from babies to our many seniors. It has been proven that a connection with the natural world plays a major role in humankind’s’ mental,emotional and spiritual well being.
Please keep our Rail Trail Project #(610666) on TIP’s list for funding. Thank you,
Susan Namet

—

"I write in strong support of timely construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail and to ask you to keep the project on the TIP. The Trail will benefit local families, kids going to school, seniors, and commuters and open up new green space for the community in addition to relieving roadway congestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting mental and physical well-being.

Delaying or removing funding for this project would harm a broadly supported community project. The Swampscott Rail Trail is the weak link in an already mostly completed system that runs along the North Shore. I used to ride from my office next to the Salem Rail Trail from Salem, into Marblehead and then to the spot where the Swampscott Trail should continue where I would just turn around and go back.. It minimizes the value of these other rail trails not to be able to have one longer, continuous system, I would have ridden to work from my home near the Swampscott Train Station to Salem State's Central Campus every day had the trail been available.

Please retain the funding and allow this trail to be built. Thank you for your consideration.
Tara Gallagher

—

Dear TIP Committee,

I am writing to express my strong support for the Swampscott Branch of the rail trail project. When completed, this trail will be a tremendous upgrade to the region’s transportation network and recreational infrastructure.

The vision of being able to bike safely from Salem, Peabody, and Marblehead all the way into Boston on a connected rail trail is incredibly exciting. Projects like this promote healthy transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and create meaningful connections between our communities.

It would be very disappointing if funding for this project does not move forward. The Swampscott Branch represents an important step toward a safer, more accessible regional trail network, and I hope it receives the support needed to become a reality.

Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
Vance Perry

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing to express my strong support for keeping the Rail Trail project on the State Transportation Improvement Program and moving it forward without delay. After years of planning, collaboration, and public engagement, this project is ready to deliver meaningful benefits to our community.

The Rail Trail represents far more than a path. It will provide a safer way for people of all ages to get around town. It strengthens connections between neighborhoods, expands access to outdoor recreation, and reduces traffic by offering a practical alternative to driving.

As someone who regularly uses the Marblehead Rail Trail for running and walking with my family, I’ve long looked forward to this extension and the improvements it will bring. Connecting our communities through a continuous, safe, and accessible trail network is an investment in our health, mobility and overall quality of life.

Delaying or removing TIP funding at this stage would jeopardize a broadly supported, once-in-a-generation project. I urge you to maintain funding and allow this important project to move forward as planned.
Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
Michael Cardinali

—

Mr Mohler and Boston Region Metro Planning committee,

Please ensure the Swampscott rail trail is fully funded for expansion. This rail trail is essential for a safe place for kids to ride bikes and walk, for runners to enjoy a shaded and car free place to run, and for members of the community to enjoy nature and get to places in Swampscott and Marblehead. We are so grateful that it exists and have been looking forward to its expansion so it can be closer to our house. It encourages good health and fitness, places for humans and animals to connect with nature, and a vital pathway for all to enjoy. It also allows seniors a safe place to get out and even a way for commuters to get to school and work.
Please ensure the project moves forward and gets the necessary funding to continue. Thank you!
Amanda Boyd

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

As a Swampscott resident I am writing in strong support of the timely construction of the Rail Trail, keeping the project on the TIP.

The Trail will benefit local families, seniors, and commuters. I commute to Boston for work 3-4 days a week and feel strongly that a rail trail would assist in avoiding traffic and dangerous intersections for both pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Delaying or removing funding would harm this broadly supported community project. I hope you’ll consider this in your decision-making.

Thank you,
Carrie and Erik Sylven

—

i support timely construction of the Rail Trail, keeping the project on the TIP. The Trail will benefit local families, seniors, and commuters. Delaying or removing funding would harm a broadly supported community project.
Sincerely ,
Charmaine Champagne

—
Mr. Mohler,

Please continue to fund, without delay, the Swampscott Rail Trail Project, #610666.

My wife and I use the trail often, and wish it continued through Swampscott as it was planned.

Furthermore, if the trail continued as intended to the Swampscott Elementary and Middle Schools, then families and school children could more easily and safely get to and from school. On the Marblehead end of the trail, many school children use it to get to and from their schools. Why is Swampscott left out?

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your response, Mark Degatano

—

Dear Mr. Mohler:

I am writing to express my strongest possible support for the Swampscott Rail Trail Project. I am a Swampscott resident and greatly appreciate what rail trails contribute to the quality of life for the residents of communities fortunate enough to host them. These are financially highly tractable opportunities to add tremendous value for families, those with pets, and those who simply want a few minutes to casually reflect away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The trails branching in both directions from Alewife, the trail that connects Ayers to Nashua and others across the state are exactly what makes Massachusetts and the Boston area in particular such a special and nationally unique place to live. Please help put people first in supporting this initiative in every way possible.

Many thanks, Mike Gilmore
—

Dear David Mohler, Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization,

Our family is writing to ask you to please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town and our family are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.
Sincerely, Andrea Rovaldi

—

I am writing to urge you to please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

The project will improve quality of life for all residents, improve non-engine transportation throughout the community, including providing a safe way for many students to travel to and from school. As a Swampscott resident who has driven to both Salem and Marblehead rail trails and cycles to Nahant with my young children, I look forward to the day when my family can hop on our own in town trail to bring us to any of these communities to enjoy their vibrant town offerings and our own growing towns shops and restaurants. I recall being very excited about this project when I first moved to Swampscott over ten years ago, and am hopeful that we do not need to delay the project any longer.

I along with many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail. Erin Ryan

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.

Frances Freiman

—
Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail. It has been years since the citizens of Swampscott overwhelmingly voted in favor of having a Rail Trail. Please do not cause further delay.

Sincerely, Iris Goldman
—

ATTN: David Mohler, Chair, Boston Region MPO. Good morning,
Please work to keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the Transportation Improvement Plan without any postponement.

I, among many others, are eager to see this trail completed and connected to other hubspots - not just for recreation, but also for a practical alternative to driving and to provide kids in the area the level of autonomy (kids should be able to safely bike or walk to school in a town our size without needing their parents zooming them around and idling in a drop-off/pickup line).

Thank you,
Justin Thompson and Ryan Graf

—

To Whom it May Concern,

I would like to express my strong concern over possible funding cuts/delays for the Swampscott Rail Trail. As the town becomes more congested due to the development of several large apartment complexes over the past several years, the need for the trail has become even more vital for our community. The trail will provide a safe alternative to cars on what are becoming very congested roads in our small town.

Thank you, Kristin Saccoccio

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.
My family is counting on this, please help us improve our community! Thank you,
Kevin MacNichol

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

Way back when I moved to Swampscott I learned about the Marblehead Rail Trail and would bike through Swampscott to reach it with whichever of my kids was of bike seat age.

I joined a group of fellow Swampscotters to push for the creation of a connecting path through Swampscott. After all, the rail line that the Marblehead trail follows also ran through Swampscott.

Town meeting voted over 2/3 for our proposal back then, and did so several times. My kids are now in their mid-to-late thirties, and we have about 2 blocks of trail.
Needless to say, I want to see the trail finally completed. I don't know much about how funding works for projects like this. It might be possible to reduce costs by using stone dust as in Marblehead, for example. But I know a lot of work has gone into planning and a lot more work and time would probably have to go into modifying those plans.

The Swampscott trail would very effectively tie the town together: it runs by the middle school and ends near the high school. It would provide a safe pedestrian corridor over busy 1A. I really would like to see it funded.

In short I strongly support funding of the Swampscott Rail Trail by the State Transportation Improvement Program.

Thank you very much.

Richard Frenkel

—

Dear Mr. Mohler and members of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, c/o Ethan Lapointe

I am writing to express my strong support for the Town of Swampscott's request for funding of the Swampscott Rail Trail via the State Transportation Improvement Program. When I moved to Swampscott in 2018, the idea of the rail trail was finally beginning to come into reality for the town and as a new parent, this was a selling point on choosing the town to live in; knowing this would be coming along.

We currently have just a tease of the rail trail completed and it's honestly saddening to watch the project being stalled knowing we have an army of volunteers in town willing to care for and maintain it as they currently already do for this little stretch. A few years back I was asked by a town employee to take some drone video of the anticipated route of the trail which I obliged and if nothing else, I would really like your assistance in finally being able to take the ""after"" shots once it is completed.

Extolling the general virtues of a rail trail seems superfluous, so specifically to Swampscott this will help us:
Create a safe transportation route for non-motorists through a good portion of town of which we currently have none. My children (5 and 8 shortly) have nowhere to bike around safely except for on our short dead end street and we are lucky to have that here.
Serve as a route to school for many students. The site of our recently completed new elementary school was chosen in part due to its proximity to this rail trail route.
Serve as a route to the commuter rail station.
Help get us so much closer to connecting to the Northern Strand Trail. Improve our access to the deficit of open space we currently have.
I know public comment generally only engages those highly motivated for or against something, but this really is a project in town that enjoys widespread support amongst the general public, even amongst those directly abutting the proposed project.

Being a town of only 3 square miles carries both its benefits (we only need 2 miles of trail!) and curses (that's ~90% of the way from Marblehead to Lynn: imagine the scope of a project like that in a larger town) and at this point this funding is crucial to helping us getting it completed in a timeframe that my children will be able to use it before they are adults. With that, I respectfully ask that this project be selected for funding.

Sincerely, Aaron Berdofe

—

Dear Mr. Mohler:

I am writing today in support for funding the Swampscott Rail Trail by the State Transportation Improvement Program. I am a town meeting member in Swampscott.

I am an active person and part of an active family. I regularly ride the trails we have available to us starting near the Swampscott/Marblehead line and extending into Salem. I am desperate for easier access to these trails and the safety they provide to me and my fellow riders. Drivers everywhere are either less cognizant or disinterested in following bike-related traffic laws and I and my fellow local riders can report close calls we’re glad to have survived.

I would welcome a confident way to ride from my neighborhood to the train station and to more comfortably extend my travels to Salem.

One aspect of life in our small town is that we have a number of beautiful beaches and natural access points. Our layout, including a beautiful but winding historic zone designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, precludes safe bike travel across town to the shoreline. With the rail trail in place, a number of neighborhoods would have easier, safer and car-free access to the beaches and open spaces that make our town a beautiful place to live.
I urge you to support this funding to advance us to completing the Swampscott Rail Trail. Thank you,
Anne M. Potts

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.
Warmly, Chelsea

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing to voice my support and desire to see the Swampscott Rail Trail come to fruition. My family moved here in 2017 and we were delighted to learn about the plan for the trail. We have two children who absolutely LOVE to ride their bikes, but we live on Walker Road which is an extraordinarily busy cut-through. Our oldest child just started kindergarten at the new elementary school and we would love to ride our bikes for drop-off and pick-up. Unfortunately, we are too close for the bus and too far for the kids to get there in a reasonable time.

The rail trail is planned to cross Walker Road about 100 feet from our house. It also passes very near the new elementary school and the middle school. It would be such a delight to have a safe and direct route to-and-from school for the kids in our neighborhood.

I admit that I have not kept a close eye on the project. I check for updates once or twice a year and it seemed that we were going to receive funding for this coming year. I am now being told that the funding may be directed elsewhere. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to keep the funding on track and get this project completed!

Best,
Eli Cleveland

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing to voice my strong support for the funding of the Swampscott Rail Trail (SRT) by the State Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The Rail Trail has had the enthusiastic support of the Swampscott Town Meeting (of which I have been an elected member for over 30 years) since 2002. Town Meeting has consistently voted in support of the trail, recognizing the enormous benefit the trail will confer on local families.

I used to live in Groton, MA, and frequently enjoyed the rail trail there. I would love to see Swampscott and area residents have the same ability to enjoy the benefits of a rail trail.

Countless residents have been involved over the years in the exhaustive effort to advance the trail to the point where it is now. The volunteer hours which have been devoted to this project over the years must total well into the tens of thousands. The desire for the completion of this project is very strong and the anticipation of the same is very high.

Funding by TIP is critical to the successful completion of this project. We are so close to the finish line, however, we are not there yet and we need TIP funding to make this project a reality. I respectfully urge you please to provide such funding.

Thank you very much.
Elizabeth A. Smith

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,
I am writing to express my strong support for keeping the Swampscott Rail Trail on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) list currently under consideration and being voted on today!
As a longtime Swampscott resident, and someone with roots in Europe where biking and walking is a widely supported and an integrated part of daily life, my family and I have been eagerly anticipating the completion of this trail! We see it as a transformative and important project for our community, and one where Swampscott can also lead the way:

The proposed trail is ideally situated within a populated area and would provide a safe, accessible space for both walking and biking! Importantly, it would create a perfect connection between the train station and local schools, improving safety and mobility for students, commuters, and families alike while reducing car traffic.

I strongly urge you to ensure that the Swampscott Rail Trail remains on the TIP list. Eliminating funding would jeopardize a broadly supported project that our community has been expecting and looking forward to for many years.

Thank you for your consideration. Emily Westhoven
—

Mr. David Mohler,

I have just heard that Swampscott Rail Trail project is proposed to be removed from the state’s Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) list, eliminating the $9.8 million programmed for construction of the remainder of the trail and wasting the tens of thousands of grant and donated dollars (not to mention time) that has been spent on design and engineering over the last four years to keep us moving along the TIP process.

As a resident of Swampscott and avid cyclist, I support timely construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail, keeping the project on the TIP.

The Trail will benefit local families, seniors, and commuters, getting cars off the road. I will allow school children to walk to school on off-street pathway (similar to the path in neighboring Marblehead).

In addition, delaying or removing funding would harm a broadly supported community project.

We have been waiting for years for this money to continue construction on this rail trail and I find it disheartening to hear that it may never come to be in our town.

Geralyn Falco Swampscott, MA

—

Cc: Representative Jennifer Balinsky Armini, 8th Essex Dear Mr. Mohler:
This email is sent to you in support of the continued funding of the Swampscott Rail Trail.

My wife and I, both retired senior citizens, make regular use of the Marblehead rail trail and the connecting portion of the trail that has been extended into Swampscott for walking and bike riding. Further development into Swampscott of the trail will allow us to start at our Swampscott home and continue through Marblehead into Salem without having to walk and/or ride on busy Swampscott streets.

Funding by TIP is essential to the completion of the final sections of the Swampscott Rail Trail. Please lend your support on our behalf to provide TIP funding for this effort.

Sincerely,
Jim & Trudi Olivetti

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am a resident of Swampscott and a mom of 3 little kids who all love to ride their bikes. We have been patiently (some days impatiently!) waiting for work to continue on our rail trail for several years. Completing the rail trail will provide my kids a safe and fully protected path to ride their bikes back and forth to school, back and forth to downtown where they can buy ice cream at Popo's and candy at Richdales, and back and forth to friends' houses. To be able to do these things safely and independently is so important. It doesn't matter what improvements are made to our roadways and intersections, nothing would make them as safe as fully protected paths far from cars. Everyone is driving bigger and bigger cars, many of which tower over my kids and completely block visibility drivers' visibility. These giant SUVs and trucks crowd the roads and never provide a safe berth when passing people on bikes. We love to take family bike rides but roads are just not safe anymore. We need this rail trail!

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please support our rail trail funding! Sincerely,
Kelsey Henry

—

I am writing as a member of the Swampscott Disability Commission and wish to endorse the request for funding to allow those less abled to use the trail.

Thank you Kevin Shields

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am a long time resident of Swampscott, writing to ask for your support in funding for the long dreamed of Rail Trail in our town. For at least 30 years many volunteer efforts and hours have gone into trying to move this great idea forward. A rail trail would be a wonderful asset for people of all ages and abilities within the town, and it would connect us for walking and biking to nearby communities. The benefits are indisputable, and I am very hopeful that the State Transportation Improvement Program will help to bring this project to fruition.

Sincerely, Lucy P. Emple

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,
I want to express my enthusiastic support for funding the Swampscott Rail Trail.
This project, so far, has provided immeasurable enjoyment for residents - walking, biking, strolling etc., and more importantly allows for a safe, green, non-polluting way to get around. Expanding the Trail will allow car-free access to our elementary and middle schools and also ease in accessing our downtown, local retail district and the Newburyport/Rockport T stop in Swampscott. Financial support will reflect an investment in a 21st century lifestyle!
Over the years I have been a team volunteer on the Trail, improving the corridor by clearing out much invasive vegetation and planting natives. I have seen first-hand the steady stream of folks using the Trail and it’s clear there is broad support. Even abutters who have spoken out against the trail utilize the pathway.
Our Town responded favorably to Governor Healey’s MBTA Communities Zoning Act overwhelmingly supporting the State’s vision for development and walkability to public transportation. Funding the Swampscott Trail will continue this forwarding-thinking vision by creating a convenient segment near the Swampscott Train station.
Please keep the funding on the docket. Sincerely,
Martha Dansdill

—

Mr. Mohler, Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization:

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail. I moved to Swampscott 8 years ago, and have been looking forward to the day the Trail is completed since we got here. We enjoy the Trail in other towns, and really hope to have ours completed as soon as possible. The Trail would provide a safer way for people to get around town, improve connections between neighborhoods, and remove cars from the road. Losing this funding would mean significant delays and the potential loss of a once‑in‑a‑generation investment. Please help us build our Trail!

Michelle Graham

—

Dear Mr Mohler,

We have been waiting nearly a decade for the rail trail to be apart of our community here in Swampscott. My daughter was two then when it was being discussed. So many other Massachusetts residents benefit from riding their bikes in their communities-why can't we? My daughter will be entering an age when she no longer wants to ride bikes. It's not safe to ride in the streets here! Please help make this dream a reality!

Respectfully, Shauna Guidici

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail
Suzie Cheatham

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing to express my strong support for the Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666) and to urge the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization to maintain its funding in the Transportation Improvement Program.

As a Swampscott resident and a member of the town’s Master Plan Committee, I have seen firsthand the importance of this project to our community’s long-term vision. The rail trail represents a critical investment in safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation infrastructure. It will provide meaningful connections between neighborhoods and North Shore towns, support active transportation, and enhance public health and environmental outcomes.

It is also important to note that while a vocal minority has expressed opposition, multiple town votes, planning processes, and community surveys have consistently demonstrated that the rail trail is a top priority for Swampscott residents. The project reflects years of community engagement and a clear, data-informed mandate for investment in this type of infrastructure.

Beyond its transportation benefits, the rail trail is an important community asset that aligns with Swampscott’s goals around livability, economic vitality, and climate resilience. Projects like this are essential to building a more connected and equitable region.

Given the significant planning, community engagement, and local support that have gone into this effort, removing the project from the TIP at this stage would represent a major setback. I respectfully urge the MPO to retain funding and allow this important project to move forward.

Thank you for your consideration and for your continued leadership in advancing transportation investments across the region.

Sincerely, Trevor Henry
—

Hi, I commute to Boston via bicycle during the warmer months. Completing the Swampscott Rail Trail would help me and many others safely navigate this commute. It would also benefit folks commuting to the Swampscott Commuter Rail Station (which I also do), connect the neighborhoods like Salem, Peabody, Marblehead and Lynn for kids and bicyclists of all ages. I know by completing the project it would have a very beneficial effect on the town forever.

David Westcott

—

Attn: Mr. Mohler, Chair, BRMPO

I support the Swampscott Rail Trail, as a property owner, volunteer, and town meeting member. My family moved to Swampscott in 2009, around the time of the first public votes approving this project. It's time to get this done!

The loss of state funding will greatly harm this project and delay the possibilty of connecting Lynn to Salem through Swampscott and the existing Marblehead trail. The Northern Strand project has created much excitement and increasing access for bike and foot traffic along this beautiful corridor should be a priority.

Thank you for your support. Terry Lorber

—

Hello Mr. Mohler et al.,

I write to you as a Swampscott resident asking you to please continue to support the timely funding, design, and 2029 construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail #610666 within the TIP. The rail trail is supported by the greater community at large and should remain on the Transportation Improvement Program as scheduled. Swampscott has local elections coming up on April 28, 2026 and hopefully any potential risk to having this project funded in 2029 as planned has been a much needed inspiration to get things moving with the town's elected Select Board. I hope this project will be designed, funded, and built as scheduled in 2029 so we can finally begin using this vital connection to local schools and the commuter rail. Without this crucial Swampscott connection between Lynn/Nahant and Marblehead/Salem, the highly debated Northern Strand Bike-to-the-Sea trail sections in Lynn and Nahant will not reach their full potential.

This rail trail is needed promptly to provide a safe route to school for children who can walk or bike, which will reduce automobile traffic and pollution from parent drop-offs and lessen the risk of children getting hit by cars on main roads.

Swampscott's children, seniors, dog-owners, walkers, local running clubs (Marathon Sports, Notch, Wicked, etc), and cyclists have been anticipating this project for over a decade. Will another generation of children be denied the opportunity to use this trail to get to school safely? Shouldn't cyclists be able to safely commute south towards Boston and the Northern Strand Bike-to-the-Sea trail from points north in Salem, Marblehead, and Swampscott safely using rail trails? Delaying or removing funding would harm a project that the overall community supports and wants to use as soon as possible. I hope the Boston Region MPO TIP and Swampscott's Select Board can work together to keep the project's funding, design, and construction on track for 2029 (or sooner!). Thank you. "

Daniel Fava

—

I'm a Swampscott resident and want very much for Swampscott to be part of the Rail Trail. Not having the necessary funding for completion will not only negatively effect Swampscott, but the value of the network as a whole--the more connections, the greater the value overall, as I'm sure you realize.

Ed Robinson

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.

Jason O’Sullivan

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.
Matt Weinberg

—

Good afternoon,

I am weighting to urge you to pease keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

When we moved to Swampscott 6 years ago one of the elements we loved was the idea of having a completely rail trail that we could run on, ride bikes on and a way for my children to get safely to school. Many others in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.

Abby Muti

—

Dear Chair Mohler and Members of the MPO,

I’m writing to support keeping the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP and moving forward with the funding that was already approved.

This project will be a real benefit to the community, providing a safe path for walking and biking and improving connections for residents of all ages. As a Swampscott parent, I’ve seen firsthand how limited safe biking options are—last summer, my son broke his arm riding on a sidewalk after hitting a tree root. A dedicated trail would provide a much safer place for kids and families to ride.

This project has strong local support, and delaying or removing funding now would be a setback for the community.

Thank you for your consideration. Andrea Rossi
—

Good afternoon,

I am writing to show my support for the Swampscott Rail Trail and to ask that it remain on the TIP without postponement. My family and I are excited for the completion of the trail, especially as it will connect our neighborhood to my daughter's elementary school and this will serve as an important safe route to school.

Beth Isler

—

Dear David Mohler,

I am writing to request that you keep the Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666) on the TIP without any postponement.

The rail trail will provide easily accessible and safe access for residents to be physically active The rail trail will provide a safe route for children to walk to the elementary and middle schools, which has the added benefit of decreasing traffic congestion around those schools, which is a huge issue
Connect Swampscott to Marblehead and Salem via the existing rail trail, strengthening the local economy
Enhance the quality of life, foster community pride and preserve valuable outdoor space in a small town that does not have a lot of open space
It's extremely important to me that we do everything in our power to keep this project moving forward.
Thank you for your consideration. Elisabeth Knudsen
—

Hello,
I am a resident of Swampscott and a board member of the Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail. I would like you to support the continued funding of the rail trail by keeping it on the TIP.

I got involved in the rail trail project when I moved to Swampscott about 4 years ago. The trail crosses my street, Walker Road, a few houses down from where I live. Once completed, my kids will be able to take the trail to the middle and elementary school without having to cross any roads, and almost all the way to the high school. It would really make me feel better as a parent knowing they have a safe path to take. And it will keep me from having driving them to and from school daily.

Nearly everyone I have talked to in town is in favor of completing the trail. I often work on the completed section that connects to Marblehead. I volunteer to maintain the plantings along the trail and to keep it clean. I am constantly engaging with people who use the trail as I’m working,and they tell me they wish it would go all the way through town. Many of them say the same thing: “When is the trail going to be finished? Sometime in my lifetime I hope!?”

The Friends of the Rail Trail have put in countless hours trying to make this happen. The people of the town have overwhelmingly supported this project through their votes and donations.
Please help us make the completed trail a reality and vote to keep Swampscott on the TIP. Erin Pierce
—

Hello Mr. Mohler,

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.
Many in town, including my young family, are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail. It will add safety to our recreational options and has been long-awaited.
Best,
Joseph Palone

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing today as a concerned citizen of Swampscott to let you know that I wholeheartedly support the timely construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail and keeping the TIP project on time. I fondly remember voting in favor of this wonderful community trail just a few short weeks after moving to Swampscott in 2017, and for many years I have been looking forward to seeing it come to fruition. I live not even one block away from what is to hopefully become the final section of the proposed trail, and I can't tell you how excited my two little boys are to ride their bikes down it when it is finished. Walker Road (where we live) is an extremely busy street with cars that often go dangerously over the speed limit, so having a safer place for my boys to walk and bike is incredibly important to me. I have also been looking forward to walking our beloved family dog down the trail for years, as well. Delaying this trail and/or taking away its funding is going to be harmful for a very highly-supported community project and will be such a serious disappointment to so many folks in Swampscott, including my family and me. Please please please do not revoke funding for this wonderful project, and keep it moving forward on schedule.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration, Kaitlyn Krauskopf

—

I am writing in hope of continued support of the timely construction of the Rail Trail. This project would greatly benefit the community, especially students, since a large number of students walk/bike to schools. Delaying or removing funding would harm a broadly supported community project.

Sincerely, Katie Hurley

–

Good afternoon,
It has been brought to our attention that the Swampscott rail trail may lose its funding and halt/end the continuation of this for our community. It is vital we get this completed to the safety of our children. Currently, we have to cross a state highway, which is a death trap. Allowing us to complete this will allow safe commutes for adults and children together, as well as encouraging families to get outside and exercise.
It has passed years ago, before my youngest was born. He is now 5 an we have to travel somewhere to ride bikes because our streets are not safe.
Please consider in moving this project along as fast as possible for our community! Thank you for your time,

Kendra Lacey

–

Dear Chair Mohler and Members of the MPO,

I’m writing to support keeping the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP and moving forward with the funding that was already approved.

The trail is widely supported by the community. In the past there was a town vote and the trail and the majority of the town voted yes. We continue to get support through monetary donations from community members.

It would make a safer path for kids to get to both sides of town, especially getting to school without crossing major roads

It will reduce traffic and make fewer cars on the roads, esp at school pick up and drop off. It is good for all community members and makes us a healthier town.
We are one of the only towns on the north shore without a rail trail. Other towns have benefitted greatly and this will help us connect with them.

As someone who has a yard that will but up to the trail, I could not be happier to support something so beneficial for our town and our children’s safety.
I appreciate you taking this into serious consideration.

Cheers, Leah Bartlett

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail. In particular, school children need safe bike access throughout the town. Whether commuting to school or simply getting around the in the summer, the streets and sidewalks range from not ideal to unsafe for children. The rail trail is the solution for youth bike transportation in Swampscott. Further, with the Swampscott Rail Trail connection to the Marblehead trail (which connects to the Salem Trail), this will provide youth and adults with safe bike access through multiple towns on Boston's North Shore.

Warmly, Michael Ragozin

—

Dear David Mohler, Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.
The proposed rail trail project will have an incredible generational impact on Swampscott and surrounding communities. The trail will serve as a new artery of car-free transit for our community directly linking all three public schools (elementary through high school) with other parts of town. The link to the Marblehead and Salem trails will connect us with neighboring towns.

The trail will greatly reduce traffic during school times. It will provide a great recreational activity for all members of our community and utilize important open space. It will also connect our busy commuter rail transit station to the rest of town.

I personally cant wait to ride theough town on the trail with my children to the elementary school. Please dont delay the project any longer.

Nelson Knudsen

—

Hi David,

I’m reaching out today to share my strong support for the timely construction of the Rail Trail and to urge you to keep the project on the TIP.

I truly believe this trail, will be a wonderful resource for our local families, seniors, and commuters alike. Delaying the project or removing funding would be a real loss for a community effort that has such broad support.
I appreciate you taking this into serious consideration. Thanks,
NIchole MIllea

—

I am writing to express my strong support for the timely completion of the Swampscott Rail Trail, and keeping the project on the TIP. The Swampscott community has demonstrated a broad base of support for this project, which will benefit local families and seniors, and open up needed green space in the community. The delay or removal of funding will jeopardize the many hours of planning, town discussions, and fundraising that has already gone on for this valuable project.

Regards, Randall Hughes

—

To David Mohler, Chair:

Please keep Swampscott Rail Trail on the TIP Program. I have been waiting over 20 years to do something with this unused land. I grew up living adjacent to it, even remember the running train passing when I was 5 years old. Bicyclists and walkers would greatly enjoy it, every other city and town in the country seem to have made the conversion. Why not Swampscott? Please help us.

Respectfully, Richard Gilberg

—

To David Mohler, Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization,

It's come to my attention that the Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666) is suddenly in jeopardy. As a new resident of Swampscott who values public use spaces, I sincerely ask: Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

There are many in this town who are eagerly awaiting the completion of this project, and I know it will benefit people of all ages and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle for our residents.

Thank you for consideration and for fighting for our town's rail trail, public health, and the common good.

Best,
Tom Whittam

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the Transportation Improvement Project ("TIP") without any postponement. Many in town including me are eagerly awaiting the completion of this trail. Thank you very much.

—

It's come to my attention that the Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666) is suddenly in jeopardy. As a new resident of Swampscott who values public use spaces, I sincerely ask: Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

There are many in this town who are eagerly awaiting the completion of this project, and I know it will benefit people of all ages and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle for our residents.

Thank you for consideration and for fighting for our town's rail trail, public health, and the common good.

Best,
Donald J. Whittam

—
-
We are writing in support of funding for the Rail Trail Project.

As a Massachusetts family from Swampscott with two small children who love to bike, we are anxiously awaiting the completion of this project. We believe projects like this offer great exercise while fostering community and a commitment to sustainable travel for the North Shore.

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town eagerly await the completion of this trail.
Sincerely,
Joseph Singer and Danielle Hollenbeck-Pringle

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,
We are writing this letter in support of the completion of the Swampscott Rail Trail.
We have lived in Swampscott for more than 70 years, and we look forward to the improvement of the landscape of our beautiful town the Rail Trail will bring.
We are grateful to the Swampscott Town Meeting Members who have supported the creation of the Rail Trail and anxiously await the completion.
Thank you in advance for your support, Leah and Albert Gallo

—

It's come to my attention that the Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666) is suddenly in jeopardy. As a new resident of Swampscott who values public use spaces, I sincerely ask: Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

There are many in this town who are eagerly awaiting the completion of this project, and I know it will benefit people of all ages and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle for our residents.

Thank you for consideration and for fighting for our town's rail trail, public health, and the common good.

Best,
Liana Whittam

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. I use the Rail Trail and am grateful I can ride without the fear of traffic. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.

Loretta Connolly

—

To David Mohler, Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization,

It's come to my attention that the Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666) is suddenly in jeopardy. As a new resident of Swampscott who values public use spaces, I sincerely ask: Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

There are many in this town who are eagerly awaiting the completion of this project, and I know it will benefit people of all ages and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle for our residents.

Thank you for consideration and for fighting for our town's rail trail, public health, and the common good.

Best,

Tim Burke

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing to voice my strong support for the funding of the Swampscott Rail Trail (SRT) by the State Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The Rail Trail has had the enthusiastic support of the Swampscott Town Meeting (of which I have been an elected member for over 35 years) since 2002. Town Meeting has consistently voted in support of the trail, recognizing the enormous benefit the trail will confer on local families, commuters and seniors. Parenthetically, I would say, my support for the trail began when I was the mother of a young student, with whom I rode bicycles regularly--now I am a senior citizen who looks forward to long and lovely walks on the trail; it has been THAT long in the making! My young student is now well into her 30's, lives in Swampscott and runs marathons-the trail is ideal for her training. Additionally, the value the trail will have to the many town residents using the Commuter Rail is very significant.

Countless residents have been involved over the years in the exhaustive effort to advance the trail to the point where it is now. The volunteer hours which have been devoted to this project since 2000 must total well into the tens of thousands. The hope for the completion of this project is very strong and the anticipation of the same is very high.

Funding by TIP is critical to the successful advancement of this project. The completed portions of the trail are lovely and very popular with North Shore locals (and others), but we very much need TIP funding to complete the remainder of the trail. I respectfully urge TIP please to provide such funding.

Thank you very much.
Deborah A. Boggs

—

To David Mohler, Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization,

It's come to my attention that the Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666) is suddenly in jeopardy. As a new resident of Swampscott who values public use spaces, I sincerely ask: Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

There are many in this town who are eagerly awaiting the completion of this project, and I know it will benefit people of all ages and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle for our residents.

Thank you for consideration and for fighting for our town's rail trail, public health, and the common good.

Best,
Grace Whittam

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing to express my strong support for maintaining construction funding for the Swampscott Rail Trail through the State Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

As Chair of the Swampscott Commission on Disability and a mom of three autistic boys who thrive when they have access to safe, accessible outdoor spaces, I see firsthand how critical projects like this are. The Rail Trail will provide an inclusive, predictable, and safe environment for individuals with disabilities, as well as families, seniors, and commuters across our community.

After years of planning and broad community support, this project represents more than just infrastructure - it is an investment in accessibility, equity, and public health. Delaying or removing funding at this stage would significantly impact those who rely on safe, sensory-friendly outdoor spaces and would undermine the progress already made.

I respectfully urge you to keep the Swampscott Rail Trail on track and fully funded in the TIP. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,

Lauren Shrestha

—

Dear Mr. Kohler,

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the state’s Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) list for funding. The Trail will benefit local families, seniors, and commuters and open up new green space for the community. Delaying or removing funding would harm a broadly supported community project.

Thank you, Katherine Anamisis

—

Dear Mr. Mohler:

Citizens of Swampscott are learning that after years of planning, collaboration, and community support, the Swampscott Rail Trail is facing a serious threat: its construction funding through the State Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is suddenly in jeopardy.

As a citizen of Swampscott I find this alarming and very disappointing.

The Rail Trail would provide a safer way for people to get around town, improve connections between neighborhoods, and remove cars from the road. Losing this funding would mean significant delays and the potential loss of a once‑in‑a‑generation investment.

I urge you to:

Keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Swampscott citizens are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.
Please--do not endanger this crucial community project! We ask for your continued support to keep the Rail Trail moving forward!

Thank you!
Nancy Lusignan Schultz, Ph.D.

—

I'm writing to express my support for the Swampscott Rail Trail and to urge to you to please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

I, along with many others in town, eagerly await the completion of this Trail. I use the completed portion to walk and bike to Marblehead and connect to their portion of the rail trail. I also commute to Boston using the MBTA commuter rail. The completion of that portion of the rail trail will make the walk to the commuter rail station safer and more direct.

The completion of the Swampscott Rail Trail will allow myself and other community members, and especially children, to safely get from one end of town to the other by not having to interact with vehicular traffic.
I hope you continue supporting the completion of this highly desired community asset. Thank you,
Paula Claridge

Arlington Residents

Greetings Mr Mohler,

I hope you will join me in supporting the timely funding and construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail. The rail trail is supported by the greater community, and I hope this project will be built as soon as possible. Please do not further delay this vital connection to local schools and the commuter rail. The Swampscott rail trail provides an important link from Boston to Salem and beyond as part of the Border-to-Boston and East Coast Greenway trail systems. Without this link, the Northern Strand trail from Everett to Lynn and Nahant will not be fully utilized. Local children, seniors, dog-owners, walkers, running clubs, and cyclists have been anticipating this project for almost a decade. Will another generation of children be denied the opportunity to use this trail to get to school safely? Delaying or removing funding would harm a project that the overall community supports and wants to use as soon as possible. Thanks for your consideration and support.

Mitchell DiPanni

Beverly Residents

Dear Mr Mohler,

I am an avid cyclist who makes terrific use of projects like the upcoming Swampscott Rail Trail. I was looking forward to having more safe routes between my home in Beverly and Boston. So much progress has already been made, and I am hoping that efforts like that will not be wasted. Please do what you can to keep the project on the TIP. This supports not only recreational cyclists like me, but also commuters I know who would now be able to ride from points more north, keeping our cars off the road, getting exercise, and enjoying more of the beautiful North Shore.

Warm regards,

-Elliott Rushton

—

Mr. David Mohler (Chair)
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization

Mr Mohler, I hope you will support the timely funding and construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail. The rail trail is supported by the greater community, and I hope this project will be built as soon as possible. The Swampscott rail trail provides an important link from Boston to Salem.
Without this link, the Northern Strand trail will not be fully utilized. I and many other north shore residents have been anticipating this project for almost a decade. Delaying or removing funding would harm a project that the overall community supports and wants to use as soon as possible.

Layne Jacobs

Boston Residents

Please fund this. This area is incredible for biking and that has positive cascading effects on the entire region. Don’t listen to NIMBYs.

Best,
Sam Ellington

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I’m writing in support of the funding and construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail. This project has the potential to be an asset to both the local community and the broader metro area.
Studies have shown, time and time again, that rail trails bring economic, safety, and health benefits to the communities they run though. Whether giving children a safe place way to get to school, providing a comfortable place for active recreation, or encouraging bicycle tourism from being a part of Border-to-Boston and East Coast Greenway trail systems, the Swampscott Rail Trail would fulfill needs that so often go unaddressed.

Please make the decision on 3/19 to move forward with the project. We’ve been waiting for it since 2017.

Warm Regards, Trevyn Langsford

—

Mr Mohler,

I hope you will join me in supporting the timely funding and construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail. The rail trail is supported by the greater community, and I hope this project will be built as soon as possible. Please do not further delay this vital connection to local schools and the commuter rail. The Swampscott rail trail provides an important link from Boston to Salem and beyond as part of the Border-to-Boston and East Coast Greenway trail systems. Without this link, the Northern Strand trail from Everett to Lynn and Nahant will not be fully utilized. As a cyclist, I hope that this will be constructed, as it will allow me to more easily and safely access biking along the North Shore from Boston. Delaying or removing funding would harm a project that the overall community supports and wants to use as soon as possible.

Sincerely, Chris Yip

Georgetown Residents

This email is in reference to the Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666)

I am asking you to help keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project going forward without any postponement. This project is eagerly awaited by the residents of Swampscott and the surrounding towns. My grandchildren live in Swampscott and as an occasional caretaker, I would love to see this project completed to help enhance our lives.

Thank you for your assistance. Best,
Kathleen MacNichol

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.

KBMacNichol

Gloucester Residents

Dear Sir / Madam,

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail improvement project on the Transportation Improvement Project list. I have been looking forward to its completion for many years and am disappointed that it may removed from the list. It has broad community support and and will improve many lives in this area by offering more outdoor recreation area.

Thank you.
Gail Smith

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,
I'm a frequent user of the Swampscott and Marblehead Rail Trails, and I've been hoping to bike beyond those this summer. I'm very disappointed by the news that the Rail Trail has been targeted as a funding cut. I travel to use these trails and it's often with a group of friends. Then we further support the community by getting a bite to eat locally.

So many municipalities have invested time, money, work, and advocacy to get their parts of the trail built. It's shocking that this project will become a failure. The project expands green space and offers recreation for Marblehead and Swampscott and beyond. It's an extremely valuable community resource.
Please retain the funding! Thank you.

Shelley Sloboder

Lynn Residents

"Dear Mr. Mohler,

I recently received the extremely disappointing news that the funding for the Swampscott and Marblehead rail trails is on the chopping block to be removed from the state’s Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) list. The rail trail became one of my favorite places to walk last summer and fall. It was heartening to see so many other people enjoying it as well, some with their entire families (dogs included).

So much time and thousands of grant and donated money has already been spent on design and engineering over the last four years but there's so much more work to be done to complete this project. I hope there is something that can be done to retain the funding.

Thank you.
Roberta Sherman

Lynnfield Residents

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing to voice my disappointment with the decision to drop the funding for the Swampscott Rail Trail. There has been so much time and effort put into this endeavor. To drop the funding at this time flies in the face of reason and is an affront to all of us who have set aside time promoting its construction. Rail Trails tend to connect a community, bringing individuals together, and providing citizens with a venue for exercise and relaxation.    Bicycle trails also provide a safer option for commuters to bicycle to work. The trails tend to remove bicyclists from busy streets, that are cluttered with drivers whose attention is not always focused on safety as much as centered on their cell phones.

Rail trails also connect communities. The proposed trail in Swampscott will not only service people from the local community but will also be used by people from Marblehead, Lynn and Salem and beyond.

Delaying funding will literally take the wind out of the hard work that has gone into promoting trails, getting them designed and partially built.

Please reconsider this ill conceived decision to remove funding for this trail. Thank you for your time
Richard D. Simmons, Jr., Carol B. Roberts

Malden Residents

Mr. Mohler,

I’m writing in support of the Swampscott Rail Trail and asking you to move it forward without further delay.

This project has broad community backing: kids biking to school, seniors, runners, cyclists. It fills a real gap in the regional trail network connecting Boston to Salem as part of the Border-to-Boston and East Coast Greenway systems, and the Northern Strand from Everett to Lynn and Nahant doesn’t reach its potential without it.
It’s been almost ten years. The funding should be there. Let’s get it built. All the best,
Brian McDonald

—

Mr Mohler,

I hope you will join me in supporting the timely funding and construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail. The rail trail is supported by the greater community, and I hope this project will be built as soon as possible. Please do not further delay this vital connection to local schools and the commuter rail. The Swampscott rail trail provides an important link from Boston to Salem and beyond as part of the Border-to-Boston and East Coast Greenway trail systems. Without this link, the Northern Strand trail from Everett to Lynn and Nahant will not be fully utilized. Local children, seniors, dog-owners, walkers, running clubs, and cyclists have been anticipating this project for almost a decade. Will another generation of children be denied the opportunity to use this trail to get to school safely? Delaying or removing funding would harm a project that the overall community supports and wants to use as soon as possible.

John Buchholz

Marblehead Residents

I was alerted today that the BRMPO Board may decide to remove the project from the TIP at a meeting on March 19. As a member of the BRMPO Vision Zero Task Force and resident of Marblehead, I am writing with surprise and confusion having heard that this project might somehow be defunded. It is integral to the Marblehead Rail Trail and the Northern Strand Rail Trail. Without it, Marblehead vulnerable road users are cut off from the city of Boston.
As there is still no agenda posted for the 3/19 Meeting, I am at a loss as to the details, so will leave it there: fund the project.
Dan Albert

—

Dear Mr Mohler
I would like to add my support to the timely construction of the Swampscott rail trail. A few years ago, I even made a film about it, that I understand was influential in getting the first part of the construction done. You can view it here.

https://youtu.be/8y47xRLiez4?si=UnSstUh4Ygpmjeo0

Many people dismiss such projects because they question their use as a means of getting from a to b, but really, it's better to look at them as ribbon parks, multi-use amenities for school walkers, dog walkers, joggers, moms with prams, ramblers, myriad exercisers, as well as bikes etc.

Please consider NOT vetoing this project that many people have already contributed financially to, as well as backed in other ways.

yours sincerely,

John Bonner instagram.com/anthonyjohnbonner www.johnbonner.com

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the potential removal of the Swampscott Rail Trail project from the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) list.

This project is a vital link in the North Shore’s transportation network. With the near completion of the Northern Strand Community Trail, the planned bike/pedestrian bridge over the Mystic River, and ongoing trail upgrades in Salem and Peabody, it is crucial that the Swampscott and Marblehead segments are finished. These ""missing links"" are essential to the integrity of the overall trail system; completing them would significantly enhance the value of the entire regional network.

Bike and pedestrian infrastructure on the North Shore has been underfunded for decades. It is long past time to prioritize investment in these essential car-free modes of transportation.

Best regards, Rick Smyers

—

Just writing to voice support for the rail trail project. We live in Marblehead and have young kids and the rail trail is how our kids are able to get around Marblehead and swampscott in a safe and efficient way. It’s an incredible resource to the community and would be a shame to let it become a failed or incomplete project.

Melrose Residents

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I'm a resident of Melrose, and a frequent user of the Northern Strand trail. It's not hard to see that I'm not alone in this -- any day you'll see pedestrians and cyclists, children and families, using this trail for recreation, exercise, commuting to work, and to get to stores and restaurants. But it's also pretty obvious that the trail isn't perfect, especially as it abruptly ends in Lynn, with little connection to other nearby trail routes.

The Swampscott rail trail project would be a huge boon to all of the towns and residents along the entire northern strand. It's currently slated for construction in 2029, and I'm writing in because I've heard that there is discussion of a delay. I'm asking clearly: please do not delay funding for this project any longer than it has been already. The investment-to-benefit here is cheap and will pay off for a long time, and delays tend to compound. This is a very popular project and me and the other users of the trail want to see it done as soon as possible.

Thank you for your time. I hope you'll give what I said some thought. Dustin Doss

Newton Residents

Mr Mohler, I hope you will join me in supporting the timely funding and construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail. The rail trail is supported by the greater community, and I hope this project will be built as soon as possible.

Over the years I have lived in Arlington along the Minuteman Rail Trail, and in Wayland near the MCRT. The arguments and discussions are always the same in that a vociferous few are concerned on the impacts of the trail on there proximity. Yet in every case when the trails get built, they quickly become huge asset to the local community and the broader population at large. The MCRT through Weston took nearly 25 years to finally get built. Let's not let this happen to the Swampscott Trail.

Please do not further delay this vital connection to local schools and the commuter rail. The Swampscott rail trail provides an important link from Boston to Salem and beyond as part of the Border-to-Boston and East Coast Greenway trail systems. Delaying or removing funding would harm a project that the overall community supports and wants to use as soon as possible.

David Bronstein

Rockport Residents

Dear David,

While I’m not a resident of Swamscott, I’m very familiar with the trails that connect Marblehead to Swamscott. Last year, a good friend and I did a 100 mile walk from Cape Ann through Swamscott, up to Newburyport and back to my home town of Rockport. The Swamscott Rails to Trail was an important part of this walk, as were the trails in many of the towns we passed through.

I fully support the timely construction of the Swamscott Rails Tail and keeping the project on the TIP. The trail will benefit local families, Seniors (of which I’m one), as well as commuters and open new green space for the community at large. Delaying or removing funding would harm a broadly supported community project, at a time when creating safe trails for everyone is critical to supporting the health and enjoyment of the public.

I sincerely request you work to maintain this timely funding. Best regards,

Kevin Young

Salem Residents

Hello,

I heard that there will be an upcoming decision on the timeline for the Swampscott rail trail, and that this email address is where I should write to express support for the project. I hope the trail can be completed as soon as possible with no further delay. It would be a valuable resource not only for Swampscott itself but also for the entire region, connecting communities and enhancing opportunities for safe, healthy transportation.

As a Salem resident, I experience firsthand the benefits of the Salem-Marblehead rail trail and the Northern Strand trail. The Swampscott rail trail would link these routes, making the whole system better and safer. There are so many advantages of having an off-road multi-use path stretching all the way from Salem to Boston, for everything from recreation to commuting to economic development and more. The sooner this vision can be realized the better for Massachusetts—and really beyond, as the trail will be a key link in the entire East Coast Greenway.

Sincerely, Tyler Nelson

—

Mr Mohler, I hope you will join me in supporting the timely funding and construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail. The rail trail is supported by the greater community, and I hope this project will be built as soon as possible. The Swampscott rail trail provides an important link from Boston to Salem and beyond as part of the Border-to-Boston and East Coast Greenway trail systems. Without this link, the Northern Strand trail from Everett to Lynn and Nahant will not be fully utilized. As a Salem resident, walker, and cyclist, I am excited to have a trail connection to the Northern Strand and to Boston.
Braxton H.

—

Good morning David,

I am writing to you to support the Swampscott Rail Trail project and keeping it in the TIP without postponement.

We called Swampscott home for 6 years and we still visit the town regularly. As chair of the Swampscott Planning Board, I worked to ensure new developments in town were bicycle friendly. The Swampscott Rail Trail project is the key missing piece to the puzzle to stitch together our coastal town. It will be the backbone of active transportation, connecting all of the town's schools (High School, Middle School, and Elementary School) and nearly all of the town's neighborhoods. I fully support this project and hope that you will consider keeping the Swampscott Rail Trail Project on the TIP without any postponement. I know many others in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this trail, and soon!

Thank you for your time and attention.

Somerville Residents

Mr Mohler,

I hope you will join me in supporting the timely funding and construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail. The Swampscott trail provides an important link from Boston to Salem and beyond as part of the Border-to-Boston and East Coast Greenway trail systems. As a regular user of the Northern Strand trail, I know from experience that the there is no obvious safe route to continue north beyond Lynn. This gap in the system worsens road traffic, restricts access to recreation, and endangers the local community. Delaying or removing funding would harm a project that the overall community supports and wants to use as soon as possible.

Sincerely, Brian Barrows

—

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail. We often take our niece and nephew there on the weekends when we visit them, and it has been such a treasured place!

Brittany Brady

—

Dear David Mohler, Chair, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization RE: Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666)
Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this Trail.
This is a huge benefit to the community and it would be a great disservice for any delays or incompletions.
Kids in the town and families need this to spend time outdoors and exercise Thanks for your help.
Warmly,

Kyle MacNichol

Westford Residents

Mr. Mohler,

I’m writing to express my support of the subject project. Massachusetts is leading New England in so many facets of society, and has shown such great advancement in fighting car-dependency. This project will support an important link from Boston to Salem and beyond as part of the Border-to-Boston and East Coast Greenway trail systems. Getting pedestrians and cyclists off the streets and supporting exercise for people across age demographics is vital to the health of our communities. I’ve spent years riding similar trails across the state. Whenever I bring along friends from out of state they’re always blown away by the volume at which these spaces are used-rain or shine. They often remark how desperately they wish they’re towns had similar infrastructure. Thank you for your time and I hope you put your support behind this effort.

Kyle Bouchard

Other Residents

To whom this may concern-

I am writing to express my support of the Swampscott rail trail. It recently came to my attention that the funding is in jeopardy and I am writing to see what can be done to rectify this situation. The Swampscott rail trail has been held up and blocked for random reasons for years, and this is really disturbing to me. The town voted in support of the rail trail years ago. The trail would allow students to travel to and from school in a much more safe fashion. It would also allow for the active community members the ability to walk, run, and cycle off the streets of the town and enjoy a more peaceful environment. It would be a huge addition to the town and improve the quality of life and build equity for the community. Please do not allow the funding to expire.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Drew

—

Mr. Mohler,
I'm writing today in support of the completion of the Swampscott Rail Trail Project. I've seen reports that there is a possibility of further delay, and I'd like to see those involved with planning this project to leverage your mandate and authority to move forward to complete this leg of the Northern Strand. It connects communities and provides opportunity for those of all walks of life to enjoy being outdoors and traveling/commuting/exercising in a space that is mercifully not designed with vehicular traffic as the primary force on infrastructure.

Jace LeBlanc

—

I’m writing to express my support of the Swampscott Rail Trail Project and to urge those on the MPO to keep it on the TIP. The Trail will benefit local families, seniors, and commuters, improving quality of life for the community and reducing vehicle traffic in a congested area Delaying or removing funding would harm a broadly supported community project that took years to set in motion.

Ashley Grullemans

—

It's come to my attention that the Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666) is suddenly in jeopardy. As a new resident of Swampscott who values public use spaces, I sincerely ask: Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

There are many in this town who are eagerly awaiting the completion of this project, and I know it will benefit people of all ages and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle for our residents.

Thank you for consideration and for fighting for our town's rail trail, public health, and the common good.

Beth Whittam

—

It's come to my attention that the Swampscott Rail Trail Project (#610666) is suddenly in jeopardy. As someone who has nearly been killed by cars many times while riding my bike, I sincerely ask: Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without any postponement.

There are many in this town who are eagerly awaiting the completion of this project, and I know it will benefit people of all ages and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle for our residents.

Thank you for consideration and for fighting for our town's rail trail, public health, and the common good.

Dan Whittam

—

Dear Chairman Mohler,

I am writing in support of the Swampscott Rail Trail Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Swampscott Rail Trail is part of the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000 mile biking/walking trail from Maine to Florida which is 65% complete or under construction. Rail trails have proven to be very popular places for citizens to hike, bike, walk dogs, enjoy the outdoors. They also provide unique, cost-effective facilities for handicapped citizens to enjoy the outdoors.

Please keep the Swampscott Rail Trail project on the TIP without postponement. Many in town are eagerly awaiting the completion of this important project.

Very truly yours,
P. Douglas Burgess

—

Dear Mr. Mohler,

I am writing to voice my strong support for the funding of the Swampscott Rail Trail (SRT) by the State Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The Rail Trail has had the enthusiastic support of the Swampscott Town Meeting. Town Meeting has consistently voted in support of the trail, recognizing the enormous benefit the trail will confer on local families, commuters and seniors.

Countless residents have been involved over the years in the exhaustive effort to advance the trail to the point where it is now. The volunteer hours which have been devoted to this project over the years must total well into the tens of thousands. The desire for the completion of this project is very strong and the anticipation of the same is very high.

Funding by TIP is critical to the successful completion of this project. We are so close to the finish line, however, we are not there yet and we need TIP funding to make this project a reality. I respectfully urge you please to provide such funding.

Sincerely,
Anne-Marie Hakstian