Feedback from the Voters

Rails To Trails - Public Hearing on Tues., Feb 8

To: the Webmaster, Ridgefield Democrats
From: Sean Wilson
Subject: Rails To Trails
Date: February 6, 2000

I am writing regarding the upcoming meeting [scheduled for Tuesday, February 8, 7:30 PM - Town Hall] to collect the public's views on CL&P's offer to convert the former railroad right-of-way from Branchville to town into a hiking/biking path. ... I feel strongly that this is an excellent opportunity for us to improve the health, safety and well-being of our community and to preserve a priceless link through our town at NO COST to the taxpayers!

I was shocked to read in the Ridgefield Press that some homeowners along the right-of-way are opposed to the project and that CL&P feels there is little public support for the rails-to-trails idea. Would these homeowners prefer an abandoned, over-grown strip through their neighborhoods attracting trespassers, illegal dumping and vandalism to a well-maintained foot path used for quiet enjoyment by walkers, bicyclers, and cross-country skiers?

The proposed path would be closed to motor vehicles and self-policing since vandals and criminals are easily deterred by public visibility, although the proposed footpath could also be monitored by the Ridgefield Police. If specific areas require additional screening to protect the privacy of neighbors, this could be accomplished through attractive plantings or fencing without jeopardizing the entire project. Far from being a nuisance, I see the footpath as greatly enhancing the value of any property along its route as has been the case in other communities that have converted these abandoned corridors to trails.

But the most important reason to embrace CL&P's proposal is the safety of our community. Ridgefield is blessed with an attractive, semi-rural setting but along with that beauty comes a system of narrow, winding dangerous roads. Many of our public streets are too narrow and busy to be safe for children or others who want to bike or walk to visit friends or go to town or school. In recent years we have seen too many close calls and one tragic death from cars and people trying to share our quaint country roads. As a parent, I am afraid to let my children venture out on our roads and as a resident I see us becoming a town of people who only see each other and their community through the window of a speeding car. A footpath through town would be a safe alternative and would encourage people to get out of their cars and see their neighbors and town in a more personal way.

I think more residents share these feelings. Our town's master plan includes wishes to preserve open space and to connect these areas through a network of trails, and specifically mentions preserving old railways and other such wooded corridors. Town residents and planners obviously thought this an important goal then and now. Please help us make our voices heard at the meeting on Tuesday and with our elected officials at Town Hall. This is a golden opportunity to improve our town and save an important asset for our town and our children.

Sincerely,

Sean C. Wilson
Playground Road, Ridgefield

Agree? Disagree? E-mail us with your opinion!

Campaign 2000 Home

This site hosted by Web-Connect of Ridgefield