Dear Editor,

I’d like to take this opportunity to clear up a few apparent misconceptions regarding the impending completion of the TOBIE trail in Thendara.

The final Phase II portion of this project was planned in detail by 2010 and culminated in publication of the details and a public hearing where comments from the public were sought. Public input was taken into consideration and there was a great deal of discussion in open meetings regarding the trail’s route.

Once the final plans were made for the trail, they have been available for public inspection in the Town Clerk’s office. All open meetings and public information laws have been followed.

I recall some of the discussion of the planned route between the Steak House and the new pedestrian bridge over the Moose River. Using the easement for the power line was not a viable option because, in part, portions of it have been sold off; the remainder crosses private property and does not constitute a public right of way.

It was well documented that the vast majority of property owners along Birch St. were strongly opposed to the trail being located in front of their properties.  Continue reading →