(The following article by C. David Gordon was posted on the Townsend Times’ website on June 20.)
AYER, Mass. — Selectmen spoke with satisfaction last week of the board’s recent conference with a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority official concerning the town’s commuter-rail station and service.
The meeting with Paul Regan, executive director of the MBTA’s Advisory Council, on June 6 also brought out selectmen’s resolve to keep communicating Ayer’s concerns and needs to the transit authority.
Selectman Frank Maxant made the arrangements for Regan to come to town. Regan met first around the selectmen’s meeting table at Town Hall with what Selectman Faye Morrison called “a varied group.” Maxant added that “a spectrum of [commuter-rail] users” attended the meeting. An aide from U.S. Congressman Marty Meehan’s office was also present.
This session, at Regan’s insistence, did not include the media so as to encourage free and frank discussion.
Morrison referred to Regan as “having some good suggestions.” She also felt that the MBTA “is making an effort to improve” its services.
On the question of the MBTA’s considering a regional station (that could lead to the downgrade or elimination of Ayer’s station if it is put on Devens), Selectman Paul Bresnahan said he got from the conversation the understanding that “a regional station is not on the radar scope at least for the next five to 10 years” with the MBTA.
Following the discussion, town officials then walked around the downtown area with Regan, Maxant said. During the walk, Regan was able to gauge the attitude of the merchants, who are all very much in favor of the commuters and the business they bring to downtown.
Selectman Connie Sullivan noted that Regan “picked up” the strong indication that the town has parking problems–stemming from giving ample room for rail commuters’ cars–it wants to address. Regan fully understood the sense that “the Ayer station is as important to residents of other towns as it is for Ayer residents,” many of the latter cherishing their opportunity to walk to and from the train, Sullivan said.
Regan also received letters and e-mail notes from several others in town regarding their views on the commuter-rail system. Altogether, Morrison said, “he should have gone away well-informed.”
“We need to be a squeaky wheel, to advocate for what we want, our point of view,” she said.
Sullivan spoke of the “need to start a planning process now” to make sure the MBTA understands that “doing away with Ayer’s station is not a reality.”
Morrison agreed, saying: “We need to do some planning for the future,” and, at some point, that must include holding a public hearing.
During the June 6 meeting, selectmen noted that the state has cleared the way for the town to start updating its Comprehensive Plan. The commuter-rail service ties in with this concerted effort to plan for the town’s future, Maxant said.