Weston Rail Trail planting bids draw no takers as pandemic stalls work

WESTON — April 14, 2020 — Weston Rail Trail's spring plantings stall after April 3 deadline draws zero bids. The Rail Trail Advisory Committee, meeting remotely April 14, learned that no contractors responded to the phase two planting solicitation issued after March 11 Conservation Commission approval. Member Paul Penfield blamed pandemic uncertainty over labor and supply chains, saying "if I was running a business like that, I certainly wouldn't bid on anything next month." Consultant Allison Richardson and town purchasing agent Charles Young are calling additional bidders. Member Ann Thompson urged keeping a fall planting open as a fallback. Chair Gail Koplow also reported overflow parking on private Gun Club Lane, where snow stakes and possible boulders are under discussion, and circulated a revised trailhead kiosk map members asked to simplify with larger type, color-coded parking, and a brighter "you are here" marker.