While the proposal to amend the Marlborough ridgeline law continues to rightfully dominate the town board agenda, an issue pushed into the periphery is the neglect of Old Indian Trail.

Although I do not live on Old Indian Trail, as a Marlborough taxpayer, I am dismayed at the town board’s dismissal of the danger the road’s deplorable condition poses to my neighbors, and the belligerence the board has exhibited toward residents of the road who have several times expressed concerns regarding the responsibility the town has in maintaining it.

It has been almost a year since a poorly patched section of blacktop broke off and slid down the sheer shale precipice overlooking the train tracks at the end of my neighbor’s driveway. This has resulted in the road’s access being indefinitely cut off from residents needing to enter from the Milton train station, imperiling them should there be an emergency.

Curious also is that the hill halfway between the two prior access points has been cleared of trees for new construction. Trees have also been cleared adjacent to the train tracks. This means there are going to be more Old Indian Trail residents. It also means much of the water runoff the trees absorbed will wind up washing away more of the road.

Eventually the town is going to be forced to address Old Indian Trail. Ignoring required infrastructure now is only going to cost taxpayers more as conditions further deteriorate.

Government is supposed to take care of its constituents. I hope the town board addresses this matter and the ridgeline law in a manner that demonstrates responsive governance.