To the Editor:
I want to applaud the recent articles and editorials in the Dorchester Reporter related to the completion of the Neponset River Trail, and especially your support for the Dorchester Coast Trail, which would link the Harborwalk to the River Trail.

This entire trail network is a critical off-road route, not only for recreation, but also for actual commuting, and it serves to knit together myriad neighborhoods from Castle Island to the Blue Hills.

A very important meeting will be held by the DCR on Aug. 30 (at the Foley Residences on River Street at 7:30 p.m.) where the agency will reveal its preferred alignment for the section between the current terminus at Central Avenue to Mattapan. Maps and displays will be available for viewing in the hour preceding the meeting.

Because the DCR plans to seek federal grant money (with an impending October application deadline) to complete three missing sections of the trail network, it is important for anyone who wants to see this vision realized to attend this meeting about this central section. It is vital that Dorchester supports the recommendation of DCR because any further delay in this multi-decade long project could jeopardize all three sections and our last best chance this decade to see the trail completed in its entirety. The continued support of our elected officials is also necessary and needs to be well coordinated.
Thank you and I hope to see you on the 30th.

Paul Nutting, Savin Hill
Member, Neponset River Greenway Council