Recently, several trial balloons have been floated by Leicester selectmen in reference to a proposed exit/entrance to the Massachusetts Turnpike via Route 56 in North Oxford. While many residents of the surrounding towns may benefit from increased access to a major thoroughfare, it will create irreparable harm to Leicester and many of its residents.
The Worcester Regional Airport and the city have been looking for many years for an access road to get to the almost-forgotten airport. The proximity of Leicester compared to the loosely proposed exit/entrance and the very needy airport spells a traffic nightmare for the residents of Pleasant, Stafford, Auburn and Henshaw streets. Undoubtedly, Leicester will become a speed bump between the Massachusetts Turnpike and the airport.
As opposed to Mr. Brennan reaching out for opinions in the surrounding towns, I would strongly suggest that the selectmen hold an informational session with the residents of Leicester to get their reaction to this less than well-thought-out idea.
Many of us, including myself, believe we need more business in town to balance the tax revenues.
Yet this is not the answer.