Goober Wrote:
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> I have mixed feelings on this one. Sounds like
> the rail cars are keeping the city from ripping
> the tracks out with or without permission. Just
> what we need is more bike trails for taxpayers to
> maintain and for muggers to patrol. My uncle
> lives along a recently completed rail trail that
> has become the access point for thieves to break
> into his house and shop. Lived there for 50 years
> and never had any problems, trail was completed
> two years ago and his house and shop have been
> broken into 6 times and neighbors having similar
> issues as well. Cops say thieves are using the
> trail to access properties, and thieves appear to
> be the only users of the trail as there are never
> any bikes on it. It cost taxpayers $20 million
> to build trail after local city forced the
> railroad to abandon the line with active shippers
> still on it, but city said line was "under
> utilized for freight and public would be better
> served by trail opportunities" so out the rails
> went, property went off the tax rolls and thieves
> moved in. Cost of homeowners insurance going
> through the roof due to all the claims.

Along what trail does your uncle live where is the target of thieves? I've lived in Western Pennsylvania, an area with many trails, and never heard of major crime attributable to rail-trails. In fact, my partner & I seriously considered buying a house along a major trail in Pittsburgh, but it was too small for her.