Category Archives: SNETT

Franklin, SNETT

Franklin Officials Celebrate Rail Trail Extension

Last month, the Town of Franklin announced that the acquisition of the abandoned CSX rail had been completed. Now work can begin on extending the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) from Grove Street to Union Street. On the morning of Wednesday, November 12, US Representative Jake Auchincloss and State Representative Jeff Roy gathered with town officials and other community members to survey what will eventually become the new eastern terminus of the SNETT on Union Street in Franklin. Both men were in instrumental in connecting Franklin town officials with CSX and providing guidance to make the deal happen.

“The rail trail extension is game changing in making Downtown Franklin a compelling destination both for locals and visitors to the area.  Franklin will be the ideal starting point for a family walk or bike ride combined with a visit to local businesses,” said Paul Stamp, the current Vice President of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC).

“This Rail Trail extension is a game-changer for Franklin—creating a welcoming trailhead and bringing new visitors into our downtown,” said Cobi Frongillo, the former President of the FBRTC and former Franklin Town Councilor.  “Our community has pushed for this connection for years, and it’s finally moving forward thanks to the persistence of town leaders and the leadership of Representative Roy and Congressman Auchincloss.”

There is extensive work that needs to be performed now that the financial transaction has been completed. First, CSX must remove the existing railroad infrastructure. Once that is completed, work on creating the multi-use trail can begin.

Find out more in Steve Sherlock’s Franklin Matters article.

Bellingham, Franklin, SNETT

FBRTC announces grant award for benches on SNETT

The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a MassTrails Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The funding will be used to install additional seating along the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT), enhancing comfort and accessibility for trail users.

MassTrails grants are awarded by DCR to support the development, maintenance, and improvement of recreational and shared-use trails across the Commonwealth.

This grant will provide the majority of funding needed to install four new benches along the 2.8-mile stretch of the SNETT between Grove Street in Franklin and Center Street in Bellingham. The remaining funds will be provided by FBRTC and its generous community sponsors and donors.

“These new benches will greatly improve comfort and accessibility for all trail users,” said Darren McNamara, FBRTC President. “The most common feedback we’ve received is that the lack of seating made it difficult for some—particularly those with mobility challenges—to fully enjoy the trail. This project demonstrates how local advocacy groups like FBRTC can work hand-in-hand with state agencies to improve quality of life in our communities.”

FBRTC is a volunteer-led advocacy organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail. Earlier this year, the committee played a key role in advocating for the use of Community Preservation Act funds in Franklin to purchase disused freight rail land—extending the SNETT by 1.75 miles into downtown Franklin. The group’s ongoing priorities include improving the Franklin–Bellingham section of the trail and advancing connectivity toward Blackstone.

FBRTC extends its sincere thanks to the Massachusetts DCR, as well as to state and local officials, sponsors, and donors who supported this successful grant application. Those interested in getting involved with FBRTC’s trail improvement and advocacy efforts are encouraged to contact fbrtcommittee@gmail.com.

SNETT

The FBRTC is seeking volunteers to join in its leadership roles

The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee is seeking volunteers to join in its leadership roles. If you’re passionate about the outdoors, making a difference in our community and connecting with others, we want to hear from you!

What’s the Mission?
The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Rail Trail as a multi-use, universally accessible recreational path.

Here’s what some of our volunteers say about being involved!

  • “The FBRTC has been an outlet for me–a chance to be in the community, doing meaningful things, with great people beside me. The committee’s advocacy is a bright spot, and not just for me. I’ve had several people tell me how important it is for them to have a good, clean, usable trail available. I have a friend that walks it every day, rain or shine, and she thinks about me and ‘Cliff’s Trail’. I like that. I see the value of that, and the passion that good, outdoor spaces can engender. These are the spaces where life happens!” – Cliff W.
     
  • “Since joining the Committee, I’ve established local connections with like-minded people looking to improve the trail and encourage others to enjoy the outdoors. We work together to make improvements to the trail, and currently, I am advocating for benches on the trail! Being part of the FBRTC team has been a rewarding experience.” – Sue F.
     
  • “I first got involved with the FBRTC to help develop the local rail trail and offer outdoor recreation opportunities for myself and my kids. What I received back was much more! Serving on the committee has connected me to neighbors and leaders in my community and has led to friendships both professionally and personally. I feel good giving back, and at the same time helping to create opportunities for people to improve their health and connect with nature.” – Marc K.

How You Can Help
Each year, the committee selects volunteer-leaders to maintain and advocate for the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, and your help is critical at this time. Prior experience in nonprofits is important but not required!

To get involved and make a difference, please complete this form. You can also reach out for information by email at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com.

Thank you for your interest in the rail trail effort. We look forward to hearing from you!

Road Race, SNETT

14th Annual Trail Race Raises Almost $6000 for Community Organizations

The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the 5K race hosted by the Tri-Valley Front Runners (TVFR), which raised almost $6000 to support community organizations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TVFR, and especially to Mark Capparella, the TVFR race director, and his team for their unwavering support and exceptional organization of this event. At the most recent FBRTC meeting, Mark and the TVFR team presented FBRTC Vice President Paul Stamp & FBRTC race director Sue Fleuette with a donation of $3800. That donation will go towards the committee’s efforts to advocate for continued development and maintenance of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). TVFR also contributed additional race proceeds in the amount of $250 to the Franklin Food Pantry in Franklin and $250 to St Blaise Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Bellingham.

Pictured: Michael Dalesio, Anthony Landry, Stephen Sullivan, Mark Capparella, Paul Stamp (FBRTC), Jill Duhaime (TVFR President), Sue Fleuette (FBRTC).

The Tri-Valley Front Runners, the premier running organization in the Tri-Valley region, took over the production of this race in 2019 when Dave Labonte, the former director, stepped down. Steve Pohnert, a member of both FBRTC and TVFR, facilitated this transition, and since then, TVFR has continuously supported our cause. The event resumed with a virtual race in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by an in-person road race in 2022, and last year, we successfully hosted our first trail race in 2023.

TVFR, founded in the early 1980s, is an all-inclusive, vibrant running club that welcomes runners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. They organize a variety of events, including road races, trail runs, track workouts, and group training runs, fostering a sense of community and promoting healthy living. For more information about TVFR, visit Tri-Valley Front Runners.

The FBRTC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the use and development of the SNETT. Our mission is to create, promote, and maintain a safe and accessible trail system that benefits the communities of Franklin and Bellingham. Learn more about our efforts at Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail.

The recent 5K race saw a total of 164 finishers. The success of this event is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between our volunteers and the TVFR team, including community volunteers and TVFR members who participated in the race.

We would like to acknowledge and congratulate our top finishers: Matt Billington of Bellingham, who won the overall men’s category, and Alleigh Crocker of Franklin, who won the overall women’s category. A total of 58 medals were awarded across various age groups, celebrating the spirit and competitiveness of all participants. Full race results can be found at 2025 FBRTC 5K Results.

The next race is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. We look forward to another successful event and continued support from our community. For more information on how to get involved or support the FBRTC, please visit our website.

Bellingham, Franklin, SNETT

Department of Conservation & Recreation publishes plans for SNETT

Last year, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) had prepared draft Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for several locations inside the Blackstone Complex.   The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) was one of the properties targeted for improvements.

Earlier this year, DCR posted the finalized version of the RMP for the SNETT on their website here.

The RMP covers the entire trail, from Franklin to Douglas. With regards to the portion of the trail that runs through Franklin, Bellingham and Blackstone (identified as the East Section in the report), there were the following items of interest:

Page 17 –  An opportunity exists to increase engagement with user groups and local communities to continue improving the SNETT.

Page 19 – The various property owners that need to be engaged on the portions of the trail West of South Main Street in Bellingham.

Page 33 – Improve trail signage and mile markers.

Page 34 – Install bike repair stations in Franklin & Bellingham, similar to what is currently in Blackstone.

Page 35 – Improve the trail from downtown Blackstone to South Main Street in Bellingham.  Work with the town or Franklin to extend the SNETT eastward.

Bellingham, Franklin, Road Race, SNETT

The Rail Trail 5k is less than 2 weeks away!

Race signs are now up along the trail!

With less than two weeks until the race, you still have time to register.

FBRTC 5k Online Registration

Online registration closes on Thursday, May 15.

Once online registration closes, you can still register in person.

In person registration will be available at the following locations:

Friday, May 16 : 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Bib Pickup – Timeless Crossfit

90 Hayward Street, Franklin

Saturday, May 18 : 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM

Race Day – Grove Street Trailhead


We are also looking for a couple more volunteers to assist with the 5k.

If you are interested, sign up here.

Franklin, SNETT

Franklin Town Council approves funds to purchase SNETT extension

We here at the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee are excited to share the news that the Franklin Town Council passed Resolution 24-74 at the November 20th meeting in order to purchase land to extend the SNETT towards downtown Franklin. The town allocated $2,570,000 to purchase a total of 19.51 acres between Grove Street and Union Street. Full details can be found on the town’s website.

While this news is very exciting, there is still much work to do, and it will be a few years until the 1.7 mile SNETT extension is ready for use. It will take a while for this complicated financial transaction to be completed. Then the existing rail infrastructure needs to be removed before the final pedestrian surface can be installed. Stay tuned for future updates!