It sounds like a simple idea - build a bike path along the Hoosic River, allowing bicyclers to travel safely from Williamstown to North Adams, boosting river conservancy and environmental awareness and making the area more appealing to residents and tourists.
Simple, however, does not mean easy. Four Williams College students this week unveiled a feasibility study - part of a class project - on constructing a bike path from Cole Avenue in Williamstown to Ashton Avenue in North Adams.
The project, the group said, is challenging but could be well worth the effort. Christine Fletcher, Jordan Goldwarg, Michelle Ruby and Joanna Touger on Wednesday recommended building the "Mahican-Mohawk Bike Trail," along the sewer easement from Cole Avenue in Williamstown to Galvin Road, crossing the Hoosic River, then building a "rail trail" into North Adams to Ashton Avenue.
The students favored this option over building the entire trail along the sewer easement or railroad, building a "diamond" bike land along Route 2, or simply leaving things as they are.
The project only described the benefits and challenges related to building a trail, but did not estimate cost or offer details such as whether the path should be paved. Nevertheless, according to the group, the trail could significantly benefit residents, students and tourists alike.
Difficult commute by bikeCurrently, Ruby said, bicycling or walking from Williamstown to North Adams along Rt. 2 is arduous and somewhat dangerous because of the heavy vehicle traffic. Yet many residents who now regularly travel the route by car could be biking. The Hoosic River, she added, is "under appreciated" as a natural resource, because it is not easily accessed.
Also, a trail connecting Williamstown and North Adams would have symbolic value, helping to ease tensions and build a sense of shared purpose. "It would be great to link these two communities," Ruby said.
The trail could showcase the region's industrial past, winding past former mills, the railroad tracks and MASS MoCA, the former Sprague Electric complex. In addition, parts of the trail offer natural beauty and historical value. Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Benedict Arnold traversed parts of the corridor.
Government support?Fletcher noted that the state and federal government has been pressing the communities to clean up and improve some former industrial sites, including the Photec property in Williamstown. A bike path could be included as part of that process.
"The time is right for a bike path in this area," she said.
Goldwarg said that the "legal and physical" challenges to building the trial could be substantial. Some authorities say that building along the sewer easement could limit access to the line, while others say it would improve access.
In addition, property owners are sometime reluctant to allow paths along rail trails, because it could increase trespassing and liability concerns. The state's Rivers Protection Act, Goldwarg noted, severely limits development along riverways. He said, however, that environmental and state officials typically view bike paths in a favorable light.
Another potential barrier involves the Spruces mobile home park, through which a section of the trail would run. The current owners, Goldwarg said, have resisted the concept, even posting a sign that bans bike riders from the Williamstown property. The property, however, is for sale, and new owners could be more receptive.
"[The bike path] really could be seen as something that would attract people…and be a benefit to the property," he said.
Some federal funds could be available, related to industrial clean up, Goldwarg added, but the time is limited: "It's really a good time for [building] bike paths."
It also remains unclear how the trail would impact MASS MoCA, which could become "controversial," Ruby said.
Community support vital
The students are hoping that the feasibility study spurs debate and eventually action on the bike path concept. Lauren Stevens, director of the Hoosic
River Watershed Association, asked the students to conduct the study, after the state turned down a grant request.
Although the proposed sewer easement/rail trail combination trail is new, the concept of a Mahican-Mohawk Bike Trail has been discussed since about 1968. The students noted that bike path construction is gaining popularity in many communities. The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, a five-mile trail from Cheshire to Adams, opened this past summer.
Federal and state legislators have been supportive for recent projects, and the students speculated that the Mahican-Mohawk Bike Trail could gain support as well. Most importantly, however, is support from within the community.
"We really want this to be a trail that the community, both in Williamstown and in North Adams, supports," Touger said.
For more information on the bike path project, call (413) 458-2742 or(413) 458-2742.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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