Boxborough Conservation, Agricultural Commissions Deadlock Over Perkins Woods Trailhead Crossing

BOXBOROUGH -- October 16, 2024, Boxborough's Conservation Commission and Agricultural Commission failed to agree on a Perkins Woods trailhead location after a lengthy joint session Wednesday. The two boards, which jointly steward the trail system under a memorandum of understanding, have debated for over a year whether to keep an existing stone wall opening on Little Field Road or shift the crossing roughly 10 to 15 feet to align directly with the trail exit and a parking lot across the road. Agricultural Commission member Owen arranged an informal police visibility study before the meeting; a sergeant reported spotting the chief at the existing opening from a significantly greater distance than at the proposed new location, due to a utility pole and a slight road curve, though he characterized the safety difference as not a "major, major" concern. A Conservation Commission member pushed back, saying "I don't feel like that it's a compelling safety argument" and noting the town planner supports the straight-across crossing. The boards agreed both chairs would separately consult Town Planner Alec and the Police Department, report back to their respective boards in November, and initiate formal MOU dispute resolution, with the town moderator as arbitrator, if the consultation does not break the deadlock. Any stone wall change requires a separate Planning Board application under the town's scenic road bylaw.