Last week’s Press had a couple of articles that discussed road maintenance, congestion, and use on scenic roads.
Department of Public Works Director Nota made comments to the effect that keeping roads totally clear and dry and heavily salted after a snowstorm is not his goal nor within his budget, but that most town residents (me included) are satisfied with DPW road maintenance.
Another article, on the merger of the Catholic churches, discussed the number of families in the combined churches, 750, and the current congestion on Still River Road at St. Theresa’s, which currently has 500 families.
Given all of the above, what concerns me is that the church land search committee is considering new sites for their church on two roads in Harvard that are designated as scenic. Our scenic roads are narrow, winding, heavily treed and have blind curves, blind driveways, and no street lights. I live on Bolton Road, and it is a challenge to exit my driveway, especially in icy conditions, due to the blind curve to my right. And Prospect Hill Road already has the Fruitlands Museum traffic.
Wouldn’t it make more sense for the land search committee to look at Ayer Road? Ayer Road is a designated commercial district and considered suitable for a supermarket. And, what about Devens, which has lots of open space and roadways? Those sites can safely accommodate the large volume of traffic the church site will generate. I hope that the land search committee will consider the impact their development will have on the safety of town roads.
Helen Demakes
Bolton Road
