Southampton Greenway

Our community group The Friends of Southampton Greenway (FSG) is a volunteer group of local residents working on the various issues involved in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of a proposed greenway in town. The Friends of Southampton Greenway (FSG) are committed to ensuring that all the questions and concerns about the project are addressed by working in concert with other local groups, the town government, and the citizens of Southampton.

The mission of the Friends of Southampton Greenway is to:
• Empower town residents to shape the project in a way that fits the community’s needs
• Coordinate public education and outreach efforts
• Establish trail clearing and maintenance projects
• Sponsor fund raising campaigns and grant applications
• Support the planning, design, and construction phases of the Greenway
• Promote legislative efforts that promote the design, construction and maintenance of the greenway

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JUST WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO GO TO A 4.9 MEG POWERPOINT FILE.

By CATHERINE BAUM Daily Hampshire Gazette http://tinyurl.com/qgv5zo 

Thursday, May 21, 2009

SOUTHAMPTON - A new volunteer committee charged with looking into pros and cons of a proposed greenway in town will meet for the first time tonight to elect officers and create a task time line.

The Greenway Feasibility Committee holds its first meeting at 7 tonight in the Town Hall meeting room. Selectman Jess Dods was to provide the committee with an outline of work, including oversight of a study on the proposed greenway's design, development and construction costs.

Town Meeting voters approved spending $25,000 in Community Preservation Act funds last year for the study. Committee members will draft a request for proposal in search of a consultant to carry out the study. Selectmen will oversee the contract.

The committee is also expected to research the pros and cons of greenways and hold public information sessions, according to Town Administrator Diana Schindler.

The proposed greenway will connect to the Manhan Rail Trail in Easthampton at Coleman Road and continue southeast to Sheldon Ice Cream at Route 10 in Southampton. Constructed in the 1800s, the railroad corridor is owned by Pinsly Railroad Co. Inc. of Westfield and managed by Pioneer Valley Railroad.

Ten residents sent letters of interest to join the committee this spring. The board interviewed both proponents and opponents of the greenway beginning in late April. Issues regarding abutters, crime, land value, maintenance and usage came up during interviews.