Route 13 Exit may be redirected or eliminated

A story in the Sentinel and Enterprise recently that I paid little attention to, assuming that what concerns Leominster is of little interest to Fitchburg.
http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/local/ci_4948288

Well, I'm thinking again. You see, Leominster's forward thinking mayor is pushing Flanagan and Antonioni to fund an engineering study for a new Route 2 Exit - to Leominster. An exit that could quite possibly close the existing Route 13 exit, further isolating East Fitchburg.

Now, since there would be Federal and State funds involved, wouldn't this be a golden opportunity for a forward thinking Fitchburg mayor and city council to invite the Leominster mayor and city council to create a Twin Cities Task Force to explore an option that's beneficial to both cities? And while they're at it, why not involve the Lunenburg Board of Selectmen, since closing the Route 13 exit and bypassing the Whalom District (and planned new construction in the Lunenburg Whalom District) will effectively cut off the most direct route to Route 2A. Ideally such a task force would include our state legislative delegation as well, and perhaps our U.S. Representatives.

Isn't it time that the cities and towns that abut one another in this metropolitan area began talking to one another and working together instead of competing?

If Leominster gets in line for a study funded by scarce Federal and State dollars without Fitchburg having an equal voice, this could become one more instance of what's good for Leominster is bad for Fitchburg.

This just might be a golden opportunity for Freshman DiNatale to find a cause that would benefit the two cities and towns that utilize this vital exit off I-190 and Route 2.

Shalom