Concord DEI Commission Hears Rotary Redesign Case, Backs Heritage Trail Push

CARLISLE — June 11, 2026 — Concord DEI Commission hears equity case for Route 2 Rotary redesign and tracks Black Heritage Trail toward a critical vote. State Representative Simon Cataldo appeared in person at the June 11 meeting to tell commissioners that MassDOT data projects a 30 to 60 percent reduction in commuting time through the Concord Rotary under an above-grade overpass design, which he framed as an economic justice issue for lower-income workers traveling from Fitchburg, Leominster, and communities west of Concord. "That rotary says keep out. We do not want you," Cataldo said of its effect on regional commuters. Select Board member Mary Hartman announced a MassDOT public forum on design alternatives for June 24 at 6 p.m. at Concord Middle School. On the Black Heritage Trail, the commission learned that the Historic District Commission continued the marker application after a two-hour hearing attended by approximately 50 people, scheduling a June 17 site visit and vote; Select Board final approval is set for June 22. The commission's community DEI survey stands at 456 responses against a prior-cycle total of roughly 640, with members agreeing to keep it open through July.