SAUGUS — Bike to the Sea (B2C), whose mission is to connect communities using the Northern Strand Trail, has asked Saugus residents to submit comments on what they’d like to see in their eight-acre section of the trail.
The trail starts in Everett behind the Encore Casino and completes its route in Lynn on Bennett Street, according to B2C’s website. The Saugus stretch includes the old Saugus Branch Railroad, which operated from 1853 to 1958.
Though the trail has a broad group of supporters who bike it no matter the season, Saugus residents have shown their frustrations at the thought of the land being built on. The bike trail is already in place. However, the public comment period is to see what locals would want added to the section of greenery that the trail goes past.
Most commenters were concerned about wildlife and land destruction, with one writing, “Keep it free and wild. Not often, a town like Saugus has a beautiful green space perfect for so much wildlife—perhaps more wildflowers but no grass that needs mowing. Nature will take care of itself without any herbicides or pesticides. This special area is the most beautiful part of the Northern Strand Trail.”
Many simply said to leave it alone, while others said all they’d want to see is benches, tables, and possible fishing spots along the river. Other residents pointed out the eagles and osprey that live in the area and how more foot traffic would cause them to leave the land.
B2C has continued to post the link to the public comment section, with the deadline being Wednesday. However, if the comments online are any indication, the public comment section is most likely filled with locals saying, “Leave it alone.”
