The candidates in the 10th Norfolk District State Representative race agreed to participate in an online debate — responding to questions suggested by Observer readers — in writing, in the Observer. One question and the candidate’s respective responses will be published for a total of seven weeks leading up to the election.

Before addressing question 4, I need to address continued lies proffered by my opponent on the issue of migrants over veterans in his answer to question #3 and in written materials he has circulated. I have repeatedly corrected him, but he continues to put out false information. I covered the issue in an op-ed piece which you can view by clicking here, and in comments at the Franklin Town Council several months ago which you can view by clicking the video below:

Here is question number 4 and Rep. Roy’s response on the SNETT Trail and its expansion into downtown Franklin.

3) What can be done or should be done to extend SNETT to downtown Franklin? How and when?

The SNETT trail and its improvement and expansion to Union Street have been long time priorities for me. After successfully completing the tunnel under Prospect Street in 2020, I have been focusing on the extension of the trail into downtown. The project is highlighted as a priority in both the Town of Franklin Master Plan and FBRTC Master Plan.

In 2022, I filed an amendment to the ARPA funding bill to secure $700,000 for the project. The amendment passed and Franklin received the funds from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in May 2022.

The land is currently owned by CSX, so I reached out to Congressman Jake Auchincloss to get his assistance in setting up a meeting with company officials. On July 26, 2023, I traveled to Washington, DC to meet with the CSX President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph R. Hinrichs and Congressman Auchincloss. We opened discussions about securing the land and following that conversation, the land has been offered up for sale.

I anticipate that the sale will take place soon and that the 1.6 miles will become part of the SNETT system.

The SNETT trail is a 22-mile multi-use path that runs through 6 towns from the Franklin State Forest to the Connecticut border in Douglas, following the former New England & New York Railroad line. It is designated a Heart Healthy Trail and is one of the longest trails in Massachusetts. It is used year-round for various activities by people of all ages and abilities. The current Franklin trailhead resides on Grove Street, a small parking lot on an industrial road. The rail bed itself continues to Franklin’s Downtown – where it meets up with an active commuter rail line (between the Dean and Forge Park stops on the Franklin line).

The extension of the last 1.6 miles of the trail has the potential to dramatically transform the transit and economic development opportunities for Franklin and the surrounding communities. In addition to the environmental amenities of the property – which includes an extended overlook of Spring Pond, a federally-protected wildlife conservation area – the extension would unlock tremendous opportunity for improved accessibility and appeal of the trail. The 1.6-mile stretch will transform SNETT from a hidden recreational asset into a regional destination for families and adventurers alike.

To learn more about the trail go to https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/