Trail may blaze path into future

Actually Portnoy, Fulton Rail Properties, which I believe still owns the trail and rights-of-way is afraid of lawsuits from landowners. Parts of the Fonda run became a dump until they were forced to clean it up and at least try to enforce dumping laws. Seriously though, couple stabilizing the existing Fonda section and making the trestle bridge safe is going to cost much more than whats been publicly presented. I would like to see something out of the Johnstown City Engineers office (or G-ville, they're both involved) regarding the scope and cost of actually doing this section and who's going to pay for it.

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Scarecrow57 You hit the liberals right where they live... they want a quiet little walk with the occasional whir of a bicycle not some motorized contraption polluting and wasting energy, think peaceful and green. Except when it come to fighting for the tings they want, and want us to pay for because then it is wide open and nasty time!

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R*A*C*O*O*N*S. I'm so sick of this PC B*u*L*l*S*h*i*T.

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JefferyR, a nice hickory walking stick is very effective at keeping rabid skunks, ra*****, dogs and thugs at bay.

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This has been 'talked' about ever since an emergency water line was run from Fonda to Johnstown in the '90's. At that time I was told it would be too expensive. Time to quit talking. We know the benefits and the down-sides. Either finish the Rail Trail or leave the Fonda section as is and move on.

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Maybe the land owners don't want strangers in thier backyards.

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From what I am gathering this is a want and not a need... Sorry people but it's time to tighten the belt and if you choose not to I think it's time you all pay more of the BILL!

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I used the trail in Gloversville last year and ran into the typical harrasing "thug" wannabees, teenagers. Needs to be patrolled more often by authorities.

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without being infringed upon.

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Perhaps the property owners want to keep thier property.

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Really with the disagree, I'll take that as a want and not a need. Feel free to pony up because I don't want it. I think those that want it should pay.

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Is this a want or a need?

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My grandfather rented work gangs for such projects from the county jail as late as the late 40's but try and do it now - there's all kinds of feel good outfits opposed to it I'm sure.

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I just question why we have to squander millions paving it. Put down some gavel and have the inmates maintain it. Also it needs to be opened up to ATVs and snowmobiles.

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This may be a first: All agrees to all comments. What a pleasure to read such positive reactions to a great editorial. Good job all around.

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I always enjoy greeting people while out on the trails; they aren't in their typical rush of activities, just there enjoying themselves. Truly a suiting occasion fitted for the word "pleasant".

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Maybe the land owners are worried about law suits from bikers? Something might be done about this to change their attitudes.

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Correction...replace Commons Rd. with Veeder Rd. Sorry for my confusion.

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I also see an opportunity for some enterprising person to open a sort of smallish 'refreshment and tire patch' business along the trail. Hmmmm.

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We have to thank Jack Sanford, among others, for initially getting the trail off the ground. I hope new people can complete the work.

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We biked the Whole rail trail last summer from north of Gloversville in Mayfield to it's southern most extension in Johnstown. The Broadalbin part needs to be connected too. It would be a great ride from Broadalbin to Fonda once completed.

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No Dave, the trail from J-town to Fonda is not even close to being completed, it has not even started. The trail, as it parallels Commons Road, has had 2 landslides in the past 15 or so years. One took out around 50' of my property including 2 old Hickory's and deposited it on Rt334. The other slide resulted in the trail being only about 6 or 7 feet wide, waterlogged with a sheer drop-off to the creek(about 50 feet). The right-of- way section for the trail is supposed to be 16' wide(one Rod). Finishing and stabilizing that section of the trail is going to cost a heck of a lot more than people realize. Walk the section beginning at the intersection of Trail Rd. and Commons Rd. to the Bridge and you'll see what I'm talking about. It's not pretty but it can be.

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I've been out of the area for a few years. It sounds like the part from Johnstown to Fonda has been completed. Does anyone know if that's true? If so, this would be an awesome bike ride. I can't wait to use it when we return this summer. The folks who pushed for this trail are to be commended, and should be recognized.

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This path also serves as a safe and quiet, ie. preferred, route for commuting to work

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Those charged with developing a vision for our area are to be commended for their persistence in seeking to complete the Rail Trail. The quality of life issues that can plague a small, financially-strapped area such as ours can be partially offset by having a gem such as the Rail Trail available for a variety of uses by residents as well as visitors.

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