[SustainableTompkins] Rail transportation and trash

[Gail Blake]

I used to be ambivalent about the creation of rail trails also. As a 
someone who bicycles for transportation, I know that they are not 
just "recreational" as George says, but rather provide safe 
transportation corridors for non-motorized movement. But I had 
concerns that the rail beds would someday be needed for rail and that 
this possibility would be lost if they became trails. What I have 
come to realize, however, is that a trail is still a publicly owned 
right of way and is a much better way to protect these corridors for 
public use than allowing the neighboring landowners to treat them as 
private property, putting up fences and blockages, as has occurred 
along the route of the Black Diamond Trail. There are no rails there 
now; the graded route will still be there should we need it for rail. 
And ownership of it will be clear.

Gail Blake

At 12:43 PM 3/3/2008, you wrote:
>
>   The most direct rail link between NYC and Seneca Meadows would 
> actually be through Ithaca.  The railbed is even still 
> intact.  Unfortunately it's reserved for a higher priority - the 
> Black Diamond Trail recreational bikeway.
>