To the editor:
Below is my response and comments to the survey being coordinated through the Gloucester Daily Times regarding the idea of a Rockport-Gloucester connector road:
Yes, I want to see a Rockport-Gloucester connector road. In my opinion, the road can not 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. But 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.
Yes, 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
Editor’s Note: The Times is continuing to accept and will compile responses to the connector road survey initiated by Rockport resident James Lane. To view the actual survey, just go to gloucestertimes.com and search under the words James Lane connector. The survey is also referenced in last Saturday’s column, “Why did My Newspaper Do That?”
