WALPOLE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Millions of state dollars could soon be pumped into Walpole and Foxborough, money used to build a new commuter rail train.
The MBTA has been offering additional train service for Patriots games and stadium events since 1989, but this proposal means daily commuter rail service to the stadium, and not everyone is happy about it.
One Walpole resident, who didn't want to be identified, is among many who are outraged after hearing about a plan by the MBTA to purchase a freight line that currently runs behind her Spring Street home, and add a full service daily commuter rail line to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
"We can't find out any information," she said. "There's nothing online if you look at the MBTA website."
Greg Sullivan from the Pioneer Institute calls the $23 million deal - that will be funded by taxpayers - one of the most egregious and secretive taxpayer abuses in state history.
"This is a really an 11th hour deal that's being proposed by the MBTA that's come out of nowhere," he said. "There's big controversy about it because of the timing. It's being pushed through as the curtain's coming down on Governor Patrick's administration."
There were feasibility studies done on this issue in 2010, but the proposal was ultimately voted down in 2011.
But according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the state began meeting with Kraft Group officials in January about potentially proceeding with full-time commuter rail service to Foxborough.
"What this is going to do is provide a gigantic windfall to the owners of Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place at the expense of the taxpayers," Sullivan said. "If the owners of Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place want to have a full rail service to their backyard, they should pay for it."
Residents are upset they'll have to deal with up to 10 trains, seven days a week at much higher speeds, and only about 100 commuters will be able to use it, according to one study. They say only one group will see the benefits.
"I find it very interesting that a public transportation will end up on private property and have that owner potentially financially benefit from it, whether it be shopping, restaurants or parking," the Spring Street resident said.
The Kraft Group says it has always supported the idea for years; it was identified as a need in Foxborough's master plan.
The group said in a statement, "We believe this state initiative is a good idea because it is expected to improve transportation and further develop economic growth throughout the region. We also have the parking needed to help alleviate other commuter rail stations in the area that currently are overcrowded."
According to an MBTA spokesperson, a deal has not yet been reached to buy the freight line. The MBTA is holding a public meeting in Walpole Tuesday night to allow residents and town officials to see the proposal and ask questions.