-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Andy Limeri
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 12:44 PM
To: Steven W. Orr; Town Meeting Members; Framingham Neighbors
Subject: Re: [tmm] Citizens Against Rail Trail (C.A.R.T.)
Ok, so now I have some questions and comments. I
admit I only scanned the pro-railtrail doc, so I may
ask some questions that have already been answered.
////snip////
Hello all. I am an abutter, and we can see the existing rails from
our bedroom window. I was initially a bit concerned about the problems
raised by CART, but am now finding some of them somewhat confusing:
At the moment, no doubt, the tracks are an industrial hazard and
eyesore. Snowmobiles use them extensively in the winter, kids cut through
on their way over to Nobscot plaza.
If the mess is ever cleaned up, the rotted, sharp wooden ties, rusty
rails and old car seats and broken glass removed, then it is alleged that
there are also pollution issues to be concerned with. Good point! If this
pollution truly exists in harmful quantities, it would seem safer to remove
it sooner rather than leave it for later.
We've all seen and heard the many reports that Americans are getting
heavier (and less healthier) by the day. Wouldn't transforming an ugly and
dangerous place into a beautiful community park for exercise and recreation
would be a good idea? This would cost money and the Opposition Report tells
us that in addition to trail maintenance, the Town should be prepared at the
same time for all the problems which they say will result if the trail is
NOT maintained. I don't see how these can both be true.
I also went as an observer to several of the Rail Trail Task Force
meetings. The suggestion was made that perhaps other communities with rail
trail experience might have some valuable insights that could be shared with
the Town. This was very strongly objected to by CART and at least one member
who was against the trail, on the grounds that Framingham was different and
that "out of towners" wouldn't be able to provide useful information.
I don't understand that. We all need put our heads together and
concentrate on creating our own future rather than standing paralyzed while
unpredictable events create it for us. We need positive ideas that appeal
to our imagination, rather than thoughts that play on our fears.
In my opinion, here is a chance to clean up a mess of more than 100
years in the making and replace it with a wooded lane that travels through
some of the best scenery that New England has to offer. All the way up to
Lawrence, maybe sometime in the not too distant future it will also
intersect with a trail that goes along Route 20 from Boston west to Albany
NY and maybe beyond. I'm excited by that.
Bill Williamson
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