During a meeting of the Town of Webb Board on Tuesday, February 12, Supervisor Ted Riehle asked the Town Board to consider passing a resolution in support of asking New York state to review the Unit Management Plan for the Remsen to Lake Placid rail corridor to determine what is best for its future.
The corridor has been the topic of much discussion recently and created a widespread controversy that has prompted six other towns to make a similar request to the state.
The controversy stems from two opposing viewpoints of the railroad’s future—those who want to restore full rail service and those who want to see the rails replaced with multi-sports trails.
The general consensus of the Board is that there has been a lot of information on the topic, but also a lot of misinformation.
By bringing in the state to review the UMP, the public will then be able to have a better idea of what the facts are and will therefore be able to make an informed and educated decision on the railroad’s future.
“I am willing to take a stand in favor of the railroad as I have seen the direct benefits to the town now. But the direct benefits from Utica to Lake Placid—I can’t speak of.
I can certainly appreciate the benefits for Old Forge, but I need a lot more information before I will be able to make a decision,” Riehle said.
Following discussion, the resolution was passed unanimously.
