WESTFIELD – Prior to City Engineer Mark Cressotti’s presentation on the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail to the City Council on Thursday, six residents spoke in favor of continuing on with the project without delay, citing its economic, social and health benefits. Two others expressed concern about spending the money on the trail rather than improving the roads, while others spoke on other topics during a 30-minute public participation session.
Joe Giffune, chair of the Friends of the CGRT said he was concerned about the grumbling he’s been hearing on the funding to complete the trail.
A group of mostly Rail Trail supporters filled City Council chambers on Thursday.
“Research has been done on the impact of the Rail Trail, calling it a major asset to the city. The reason we’ve gotten done what we’ve gotten done so far is the city’s commitment to it,” Giffune said.
Dan Call said he could not think of a safer or healthier outdoor project. He said the Rail Trail has been 20+ years in the making, and has been a difficult project, taking more time than some would like.
“Please consider ongoing support of the Columbia Greenway,” Call said.
John Plata who spoke through an interpreter, first took issue on behalf of his community.
“The first and third Thursdays I turn on Channel 13 to watch the City Council. There is no captioning for broadcasts. Have you ever thought about how deaf people can participate from their homes? The ADA was passed a long time ago. I’m wondering if the City Council thinks it’s important for the deaf community to be educated. I would like to see closed captioning TV set up for these meetings,” he said.
Regarding the bike path, he continued, “I agree with much of what’s been said. I’m a runner, and used to run in NYC. As a deaf person, I can’t hear cars coming up behind me. I don’t trust them, because people are texting. Even deaf people love biking. We could use that Rail Trail as well.”
Kate Phelon of the Chamber of Commerce also spoke on behalf of the Rail Trail.
“I’m excited about the North section being done. The Chamber of Commerce office is right beyond where the trail head will end for a while. I am working on getting a bike rack. Once completed, this trail is an economic engine. You should not delay its progress,” Phelon said.
Also speaking on behalf of the Rail Trail was Bill Stephens, who said he is in support of the funding, calling it an economic boon, and also a safety issue. “The last couple of years there have been a couple of fatalities,” Stephens said. He also said the bridge will be great for people on the north side of town.
Two speakers did object to spending the $3 million on the Railroad Bridge portion of the trail. “The condition of the roads, it’s hard to believe it’s so bad,” said Michael McMahon, before asking the Council to consider taking the $3 million earmarked for the bridge and spending it to fix the roads.
Frank Mills also said although he supports the bike trail as a rider, he is wary of the abundance of wasted money spent on the downtown. “The clock tower that only shows two or three times a day, water cannons that are never used, and deplorable roads,” were his comments.
