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Resident urges rail‑to‑trail conversion and better bicycle connections at Auburn planning meeting
Summary
During public comment, resident Carl Wilcox urged the committee to improve bicycle and pedestrian connections, including consideration of converting the Lewiston–Auburn railroad corridor into a walking/biking path to link neighborhoods to downtown.
Carl Wilcox, a resident who said he lives just over the Auburn line, told the committee Auburn "is not a very bicycle friendly town" and urged officials to pursue safer walking and biking routes.
Wilcox called attention to the rotary near Court Street (which he said carries about 32,000 vehicles per day) and suggested better west‑side bicycle connections and a possible trail along the Lewiston–Auburn Railroad corridor where right‑of‑way and easements permit: "It would be nice if that was a walking and bicycle path," he said.
Committee members and staff acknowledged trails and pedestrian connections are already part of ongoing planning: one member pointed to a city council update and a planned trail extension from Bonnie Park along the north side of the Little Androscoggin toward Brickyard Circle and a connector to Poland Road. Staff asked Mr. Wilcox to review meeting materials and maps posted online.
The committee did not vote on specific trail projects; staff noted the suggestion will be considered alongside other trail and connectivity projects as the comprehensive plan and capital planning work continues.
