Re: Restoring Passenger Rail Service To Monterey
Author: Eddie Elkins
Date: 08-12-2013 - 03:20
stash Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Regarding rails-to-trails, it's pretty much a scam
> to get ex-rail property with no intention of ever
> having it used for trains again.
I disagree. The law is clear and precise in that it's supposed to preserve the corridor for future rail use. The example in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan shows that rail lines can, indeed, be resurrected and re-built along the ROW. There are other examples in other parts of the country as well where a mixed-use application has been applied and a trail has been built adjacent to the railroad, with a fence separating them. Theoretically, and absent the annoying NIMBY opposition, you would think that would keep all parties concerned happy. Everyone can be accommodated.
Your belief that it's all a "scam" will certainly come to fruition as long as the pro-rail advocates consistently choose, for whatever reason(s), not to "stand their ground" and "roll over and play dead" on the cue of the pro-trail people.
It's very easy to win a battle when the other side has concluded everything is a lost cause and chooses not to put up a fight.
Have the recreational trail people won over the "hearts and minds" of most California railfans?
I'm beginning to think so.