Town Seeks Rail Trail Talks

Town Administrator Andrew Maylor wants utility company National Grid to grant Swampscott a license or easement for land needed to establish a rail trail.

Maylor told selectmen last week that he has written a letter to the utility requesting a meeting.

Maylor has only about a month remaining on the job in before he starts his town manager responsibilities in North Andover. 

Presumably his replacement would take over the talks or initiate them, if need be, said Swampscott Rail Trail Committee member Roger Talkov.

Talkov said last night that if the town received a license from National Grid for a recreational easement that would be a terrific advancement for the rail trail.

National Grid owns about half the land needed for the trail, Talkov said earlier. 

Land acquisition along the former rail line is key if the town is to link to the existing Marblehead rail trail.

Determining ownership of right-of-way tracts along the proposed trail is also key to its creation.

The town's lawyer was researching the right of ways earlier this year.

Talkov and fellow rail committee member Marc Barden have been trying to establish the trail for more than 10 years.

Talkov said rail trail projects can take 10-20 years to complete.

The retired rail beds offer recreational uses including walking, bike riding and cross country skiing.

In addition they can provide links to public transportation. 

Swampscott trail supporters would eventually like to see a trail extend from Marblehead to the Swampscott Rail Station.