Attend This Trails and Tribulations Public Meeting May 1st
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2008-05-01 07:00 2008-05-01 09:00 Etc/GMT-5 We have mentioned this topic of the proposed trails through Gladwyne before. Well now there is to be a meeting:
This event is being billed as a, "ongoing feasability study process". Is that government speak for "it costs taxpayers money"? Sorry to sound jaded, but we have no objections to a trail per se, but we do have MANY questions about this tax dollar eating consultant Bob Thomas including but not limited to the following: How much money does he make on this deal and how does he make money on these deals? As in ALL possible avenues of revenue? When he "studies" the property that will need to be acquired, if it is private property does he ask permission of the homeowner/landowner ahead of time? Why is he the ONLY consultant that can do these trails in these parts? Is he the only "expert"? What is the ulterior motive of some in government from the township to county to out of power level? And then there is the question of the Noise Fume Pass, or that lovely section in Gladwyne where the trail would go within a few feet of LIVE freight train lines and the Expressway. And this is peaceful and natural HOW? We suggest y'all review our previous post. And we suggest you attend this meeting, and better yet? Get someone in Gladwyne to take you along the proposed sections they are questioning so closely - judge for yourselves if all of this proposed trail would be safe if it were continuous. If you want to do this, e-mail and we will forward your requests along if you do not know anyone to ask. One last question: If our township has so much staff, why do taxpayers always seem to need to fund so many consultants? Trails are a great addition to communities, but only if they are handled properly. And in Lower Merion, the trails do not have to be continuous to be successful. Look to places like Radnor. Bookmark/Search this post with: |
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No need to slam Bob Thomas. He is the expert. Period. He helped us with the Radnor Trail, even before the rail was proposed in our Parks and Rec long range program. Just for a bit of history (and full disclosure) I was a member of Radnor Parks and Rec Board during the development of the trail and I chaired during the "hearings". He has the best integrated view of the region and sooooo much experience that he brings to the table when looking for solutions to potential problems. Further he knows where all the funding sources are so that you can minimize the impact of any trail development upon the taxpayers.
You are correct that trails do not have to be continuous but they are infinitively better if they are. In addition, any efforts to build successful trails must be founded on an open process with lots of public involvement. We need to develop a new NIMBY.... into NIMBI now I must be involved.
Trails are great community assets that can be lost if we don't maintain an open mind and a long view.
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permalinkNo one is slamming him, merely pointing out an inconvenient truth. You might think he is so fabulous, but there are plenty around here who are not so certain - and to list everything would take far too long, and it's not so much our issue. And those voices deserve their say as well.
Because you are such a fan, we suggest you go to support him at this ucoming public meeting. Perhaps YOUR perspectives might bring comfort to the wary.
It's not so NIMBY the concerns people have. There is indeed a question of safety, because where some of the trail is proposed is NOT safe. You should walk it. If they cut out the Noise Fume Pass that runs within feet of the expressway and live freight lines it would be a huge improvement. And then there is ongoing and growing issue in Lower Merion of the sheer dollars all these consultants all of the time are costing taxpayers.
Perhaps some folks from Gladwyne would like to weigh in?
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