Open Space Panel Delays Martin Road Trail to Spring

Other Committee · Meeting of October 13, 2026

DOUGLAS — The Douglas Open Space Committee pushed the long-planned Martin Road sidewalk and trail to spring 2027, citing unfinished fundraising. Chair Sue Perkins said a donor pledged to cover the balance of the project, estimated at $21,000, once the committee raises additional money and completes a required survey, priced at about $400. Perkins said town finance staff pressed her on the inactive donation account and asked "when do you think you're going to be acting on this." Members also learned an Eagle Scout candidate identified only as Trent had already won Conservation Commission approval for a footbridge at 33 Davis Street, duplicating a bridge project the committee had already bought materials for; the two efforts will now merge.

Members separately reviewed habitat concerns on Perry Street lots being pulled from Chapter 61 forestry status and noted new Conservation hire Isabella Genova starts October 19.

In the full story:

• Budget and Donation Account
• Minutes Approval
• Perry Street Development and Conservation Concerns
• [00:05:37] — unidentified Open Space Committee member
• Conservation Department Staffing
• Mazinski Property Trail Work and Hunting Season Signage
• [00:13:58] — Richard Skinner, Open Space Committee member
• Black Trail Markers and Maintenance
• Eagle Scout Bridge Project Coordination
• [00:23:28] — unidentified Open Space Committee member
• Martin Road Sidewalk and Trail Funding
• [00:29:24] — Sue Perkins, Chair, Open Space Committee
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,375 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of October 13, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.