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Old 08-16-2018, 03:24 PM   #26
thinkxingu
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jetskier View Post
Hi Joey,

There are way too many issues with the trail even as an adjacency to the operating railway (with split rail).
  • Marina - we have an operating marina that launches/retrieves as many as 400 boats on a busy day. The WOW trail adds significant operational issues.
  • Privacy - LB and SD do not receive any city services as they have been designated as "private" by the city of Laconia. We have had to pay a huge amount of money to maintain our roads, pay for garbage etc. The trail would be a public avenue through a private community. The two simply don't mix well.
  • Additional use/safety - The railroad is currently part of the statewide snowmobile trail system. Fencing along the side of the rail bed creates access and safety issues for snowmobiling. Another poster also brought this up.
  • Environmental - The state prohibits even removing a tree stump in the buffer zone...but it is environmentally ok to dig up soil, plantings, etc..and potentially release creosote? In addition, the plantings along the RR ROW serve as a buffer against phosphate accumulation in the lake and we have been encouraged to plant more...this goes in the opposite direction and would potentially increase phosphate.

As you probably know, there are alternative routes that don't require ripping up the tracks or costs, issues, disruption of building adjacent to the existing railway. It is frustrating that the city and WOW org view this as a preemptive initiative and want to literally bulldoze it through. As an alternative, a WOW trail connecting to a premier sports center would make eminent sense.

Jetskier
Jetskier,
What do you think is the answer to the fact that most of what you pointed to are issues that SD, etc. should have planned for given that the trail was part of the expectations when those associations were incorporated? (I'm serious, not being snarky)

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