Enfield wants public input on rails-to-trails options
Apr. 22—ENFIELD — Town and state officials are seeking input from the public about potentially creating a rails-to-trails pathway in town that would allow residents to enjoy activities such as hiking, walking, running, and cycling.
The request comes after a shortened leasing agreement between the state and a freight rail line in town presented an opportunity to move forward with such a project, Rep. Carol Hall, R-Enfield told the Town Council on Monday.
Hall said it's an opportunity she doesn't want the town to miss out on.
"We wanted to do this 20 years ago," Hall said. "This is really our only opportunity."
The section of rail line referred to for the project runs from East Windsor through Enfield to the Massachusetts state line. This piece of land has been repeatedly leased from the state to the Central New England Railroad Co. Inc. for 20 to 25 years at a time, but this year the lease was only extended a single year to allow for other potential use, such as implementing a rails-to-trails pathway.
Hall said this is a result of multiple discussions with representatives from the state Department of Transportation.
"Great news — the DOT heard us," Hall told the council.
RAILS TO TRAILS
WHAT: Enfield and state representatives are exploring the option of bringing a rails-to-trails path to town, but they first want input from the public.
HOW: Residents with questions or comments should submit them to the office of Rep. Carol Hall, R-Enfield, Town Manager Christopher Bromson, or to any Town Council member.
WHEN: Residents have until May 15 to submit questions or comments.
Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, and Rep. Tom Arnone, D-Enfield, joined Hall at the council meeting for the discussion about implementing a rails-to-trails pathway in town. Hall laid out two potential options for such a project.
The first option, which is the one Hall prefers, would be to replace the rail line itself with a rails-to-trail pathway. This would likely mean a paved path running right over where the current rail line exists, Hall said.
The second option would be to allow the rail line to remain in use and have the rails-to-trails pathway run adjacent to the tracks at a safe distance. For this option to be accepted however, town and state officials agreed that that there would need to be much more business activity along the rail line.
Arnone said that currently there's not nearly enough business along the rail line to necessitate keeping it.
"I thought the freight line was abandoned," Arnone said.
He added that if businesses along the rail line were to begin using it more, then he would be open to the second option.
Arnone cited a few companies along the rail line that might be interested in utilizing it in the future, including the Troiano Oil Co. and the Martin-Brower distribution center on Moody Road. He noted that Winstanley Enterprises also has property along the rail line.
Laurie Whitten, the town's development services director, said that the existing freight line could still potentially attract more business to town and would cut down on tractor-trailer traffic.
"From an economic development standpoint the freight line would be very important," Whitten said.
While ultimately, the decision to have a rails-to-trails pathway in town would be up to the state, Hall wants input from residents, especially those who live in the area of the line, before she moves forward with either option.
"I certainly would want to hear from residents that live in that district where the line runs through their back yard, so I think that's got to be a priority," Hall said.
Arnone emphasized the importance of residents being involved in the decision.
"This freight line is going to run right through someone's back yard," Arnone said. "Either a freight train or hundreds of people walking and biking."
Enfield residents have until May 15 to submit any questions they have to Hall's office, Town Manager Christopher Bromson's office, or to any council member regarding having a rails-to-trails pathway in town.
To do so, emails can be sent to Hall at carol.hall@housegop.ct.gov or to Bromson at townmanager@enfield.org. Email addresses for council members can be found on the town's website at
These comments will be submitted to DOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti, who will be in attendance at the council meeting on June 7 to provide answers to any questions.
Mayor Michael Ludwick said that since Monday's council meeting he's already had residents reach out to him with questions about the rails-to-trails idea.
Hall said she also plans to organize an in-person forum where residents can express their opinion on the matter. An exact date and location for that event is not yet set, but Hall said she is planning for it to be held in mid-May.
Adam covers the towns of Enfield and Suffield. For more updates, follow Adam on Twitter: @AHushinJI and Facebook: Adam Hushin.
