Rail Trail Commentary

Aired by WPTZ-TV5 President/General Manager, Paul A. Sands

The little track that coulda…should!

An old railroad bed runs from St. J to Swanton. Volunteers have raised money and secured permits to repair and maintain this scenic stretch for recreation, and to preserve an important span of Vermont’s history.

It’s the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and it’s a great idea that should come to be. Unfortunately, it’s being held up by the narrow interests of a dozen homeowners. They say the trail should go through the Act 250 process…even though several Act 250 boards have ruled that the project should be immune.

But now, under pressure from those twelve NIMBY neighbors, those decisions have been reversed.

An environmental judge is scrutinizing their appeal. We urge the judge to act swiftly and in favor of the project.

And we encourage Trail supporters to stay on track despite time and expense. We hope they don’t get so discouraged they walk away.

They’re fighting for the greater good…and it’s a fight worth finishing.

That’s our opinion. What’s yours?

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