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Ardentown votes to reject proposed asphalt bike trail alongside CSX railroad
Summary
The Village of Ardentown formally voted to reject a WILMAPCO‑linked proposal to add a 10‑foot asphalt trail beside the CSX tracks, citing ownership, ecological, maintenance and liability concerns; motion passed 25‑1‑1.
The Village of Ardentown voted on Nov. 11 to reject a proposal to build a 10‑foot asphalt bike trail alongside the CSX railroad corridor.
Town Chair Melissa Parsonson led discussion of the WILMAPCO “Connecting with the Ardens” plan and invited public comment. Residents raised concerns about who would pay for a study and maintenance, potential clearing and added noise for Sconset residents, safety walking alongside an active rail line and the likelihood that CSX would not permit construction because it owns the corridor. Several speakers also said state‑promised support for the area as a nature preserve had not resulted in assistance when past proposals were considered.
After discussion, a motion that “the Village of Ardentown, as stewards of the Sunnyside tract, rejects the plan to make an asphalt bike trail alongside the CSX railroad” was moved, seconded and put to a vote. The minutes record the outcome as 25 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 abstention.
The rejection is a formal statement of the village’s position; the minutes note remaining questions about boundaries, liability and permitting and that past paved‑path proposals were previously declined. The chair did not record follow‑up staff assignments or an appeal process in the minutes. The motion concluded the agenda item; no formal appeal or further study was scheduled in the meeting record.
