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Trailblazers unite for groundbreaking
By John J. Hopkins Times
A cold and rainy Tuesday greeted a hardy group of supporters who gathered underneath a Harlem Road bridge to witness the long-awaited groundbreaking for Cheektowaga's Rails-to-Trails project, 13 years after the concept was conceived.
The gathering included residents and town officials who worked with Councilmember Tom Johnson to achieve their dream: linking Dingens Park to Stiglmeier Park with a 5.5- mile path along former railroad beds.
Holding gold-colored shovels, several dignitaries attempted to dig into the ground, but they were left chipping away at the hard-packed earth.
Johnson joked that they were on an archaeological dig, but one observer found symbolism in the unforgiving ground.
"It's representative of the hard times it took to get here," the man said.
Construction of the path, which can be used by pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skaters and joggers, was delayed as several agencies dragged their feet in approving the project.
Although $1.5 million in federal funding had been secured, approval was needed from Erie County, New York State, the NYS Thruway Authority, NYS Department of Transportation, Norfolk-Southern Railroad and Erie County Water Authority before work could commence.
"This is one of the longest (delayed) projects I've ever worked on," said Darryl Jones, an architect from Wendel Engineering, which will build the trail. "It's a good feeling to get it going."
When completed, a person will be able to travel between the two parks with limited exposure to heavilytraveled areas such as Union and Harlem Roads.
Johnson noted that the trail, which will "restore and beautify" abandoned railroad beds, is part of the town's overall plan for the William Street-Losson Road corridor.
"Just think," said Frank Mikler, noting the sound of traffic overhead, "it may eliminate some traffic."
Mikler, one of the path's original proponents, noted that persons living near Dingens Park can travel to Town Hall, by foot or bike, without putting themselves at risk to vehicular traffic.
Although the trail has assumed many forms and sizes throughout the years, most parties agree that it will be a benefit to Cheektowaga and its residents.
"This was an idea, from a committee, that changed over the years as different ideas were brought up and ultimately met the goals of the people," said Al Blachowski, project engineer.
Critics have questioned the need for the path, and the wisdom of offering a path that runs along primarily secluded areas.
Johnson noted that 9-1-1 call boxes will be installed every quarter mile along the path, which will be routinely patrolled by the Cheektowaga Police Department's 15- member bicycle patrol. Access points are also provided for police patrol cars and fire departments.
Maintenance of the trail will be performed by the Cheektowaga Parks Division. John Jaroszewski, director of parks, said Rails-to-Trails serves as a beautification of the town's parks system.
The town's conservation advisory council has also favored the path. Two of the council's Rails-to-Trails proponents, Fred Beaman and Rosalia Becker, attended Tuesday's ceremony.
"This is an excellent project in whcih to enjoy the natural environment," said Beaman, " and now bikers and walkers don't have to worry about getting run over."
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