These are my responses and comments to the survey on the potential Rockport connector road as fielded by the Times:
Yes, I want to see a Rockport-Gloucester connector road. But in my
opinion, the road cannot and should not be located on the Olde Rockport
Road in that the road is to narrow, has to many changes in direction and
elevation changes to accommodate a two lane connector road and meet
state highway standards.
It should be located south of the road between
the road and the Blackburn Industrial Road. Then again, that is why a
feasibility study should be requested to determine the best location.
Yes, the Gloucester and Rockport town officials should meet and take
the lead. Yes, the state should be requested to fund and perform the feasibility study, which might include them contracting with an outside firm to actually do the feasibility study. The study needs to include not only the best location for the road but the environmental impacts, the real estate takings etc.
As part of the feasibility study the properties involved and any restrictions need to be taken into consideration in determining the best location. Although there are seven Babson properties with restrictions owned by Gloucester (since 1931) they may not be involved south of the Olde Rockport Road.
This needs to be determined by the feasibility study by the state’s DOT Rights of Way division.
BOB BURBANK
Rockport
