AURORA
Community divided over plans to use railway line
The proposed conversion of a 27-mile stretch of an inactive Buffalo-Pittsburgh Railway line running through the Southtowns into the Southern Tier has touched off a three-fold debate in Aurora.
Some want to turn it into a multi-use trail for the public, others oppose the idea, and a third faction wants trains to run again through the scenic countryside.
The Rails to Trails effort — supported by the nonprofit Erie-Cattaraugus Rail Trail — is pushing to preserve a section of the unused rail line connecting Orchard Park, Aurora, West Falls, Colden, East Concord, Springville and West Valley and turn it into a public trail. The area spans two ski areas, farmland, parks and a high-trestle bridge.
In Aurora, talk of Rails to Trails sparked a debate in a public meeting last week.
“This trail could be a tremendous public asset for the state to pursue for the public,” said Marc Romanowski, an attorney, speaking for the Rail Trail organization. “We’ve formed to operate and maintain the line. It’s a lengthy process and could take years.”
The newly formed group backs the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation request to save the resource for public use after the railroad filed an abandonment request in September with federal officials.
Aurora resident Jennifer Aubrecht favors the idea of a trail, noting that she moved here from Minnesota, where her family had to drive three hours to get to a trail. “My husband and I are outdoor enthusiasts and could take our son safely on the trail,” she said.
Others noted that the area traversed by the rail line cuts across a dramatic piece of landscape — along with the high-trestle bridge — that would be remarkable to open to the public in the form of a trail.
However, the West Falls Conservation Society has issues with the idea, as do some Orchard Park residents who have been tracking crime statistics in other areas where public trails exist.
“The trail use could impact us,” said Jack Bouquin of Colden, president of the Conservation Society. “That rail line passes through my front and side yard. I bought it because I could afford it. There was a train (then). Now, you’re talking about inviting the public into our homes and privacy — our ‘little piece of heaven.’ ”
Trail critic Jacqueline Alberts of Orchard Park noted that many of the wouldbe trail areas crisscross residents’ property.
“Who will pay the taxes on this? Keep it as a rail operation,” said Tom Bauer of Grover Road. He questioned whether thefts would increase along the trail.
Trail proponents said the major goal is to keep the rail bed intact and said the group is not seeking any tax benefits from Aurora.
Still others say it might be worth considering the start-up of a scenic train, similar to the Attica Arcade dinner train, instead of a trail. The train could run to ski resorts and make dinner stops in communities along the way, further encouraging economic spinoff.
Aurora Supervisor Dwight Krieger said the town is far from making a decision on the issue and encouraged the groups to attend upcoming town meetings to discuss the matter.
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