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Legis. Anker Sets Focus on Three-Mile Trail Starting at Tesla Property

Legislator discussing smaller trail with civics.

While a Rails to Trails project from Port Jefferson Station to Wading River has been discussed, Legis. Sarah Anker, D-Mt. Sinai, has turned her focus to a smaller trail beginning at Tesla property in Shoreham.

As Anker told Patch in December, she would begin looking at the possibility of this smaller three-mile trail as opposed to the originally proposed 10-mile trail over the long-abandoned LIRR Wading River extension line from Mt. Sinai to Wading River.

“Rails to Trails is a wonderful project that will provide residents with outdoor enjoyment while increasing the economic value to our area,” Anker said. “I am meeting with the Shoreham and Wading River Civics, LIPA and the County Executive’s office to discuss cost and liability agreements that are required to move forward with this project.”

Two informational meetings were held on the original project. According to Anker, the three-mile trail being considered will begin by the newly acquired Tesla Museum site and will continue toward Wading River Elementary School, ending at Wading River Manor Road. This new trail would also avoid areas heavily adjacent to homes, such as Rocky Point, which was a main concern.

"The proximity of the trail to the 5,200 acre RCA state preserve will maximize the value to ecotourism," she said. "The result will not only be a local community bike path providing a safe alternative for pedestrian traffic; it will be an investment in the future of our local economy.”

Would you like to see a three-mile trail? Would you prefer the originally proposed 10-mile trail beginning in Port Jefferson Station, or would you rather there be no trail created at all?

Jess S. January 17, 2013 at 02:46 pm
Any trail is better than no trail, but I would much rather see the longer 10 mile trail. It would really be a huge asset to the community especially in conjunction with a revitalization of the upper port area. If we can get our act together and make this happen, imagine a safe and fun little commercial district accessible by train with bike/walking trail spurs in both directions. We could make PJ and PJS a fantastic place to live and raise a family and nice local destination to spend a weekend.
K. January 17, 2013 at 03:55 pm
I suspect that whoever was prepared to make x-dollars per mile for construction of the old proposed trail will now be making 3.33(x)- dollars per mile for the shorter one.
Kathy Rousseau January 17, 2013 at 04:06 pm
This three mile trail should just be considered a starting point, not the final plan. Those of us in Miller Place, Mount Sinai, Port Jefferson, and yes, even Rocky Point will not benefit from this beginning and ending in Shoreham/Wading River. The concerns expressed by residents living near the original proposed trail at the informational meetings, while legitimate in their eyes, has been proven over and over again across the country, on existing trails, to actually foster just the opposite positive effect.
Mike Poveromo January 17, 2013 at 05:11 pm
Rail to Trails has been tossed around for over 10 year, hearing, visioning sessions, funding, insurance, etc., in my opinion the 10 mile plan remains the best plan for residents & visitors alike. Start in Port Jeff by providing a safe trail behind the dangerous 25A business corridor of vehicle traffic. People using the trail young & old will have a meaningful, safe way for relaxation, recreation, & access to businesses’. The trail is a meaningful use of tax dollars, for government, residents, merchants, visitors, etc... If government officials want a test; starting the trail from Port Jeff through Mt. Sinai it would be the best in my opinion & not out on the eastern end. The most dangerous location for pedestrians is along the 25A business corridor. Removing the bike lanes off Rt.25A for example is good for drivers & bikers. Children will have a safe trail home or for recreation. Sr. citizens can enjoy a walk or use the path to access area merchants. The positive impact of the trail out weighs all negatives! Today L.I.P.A. power lines are consumed by ugly over grown weeds, vermin, & looks like a garbage dump. Build a small test section starting in Port Jeff would “maximize the value of ecotourism” rather than starting in an area already State owned State and is a preserve! Build the trail already; people will surly use it; use our tax dollars turning the garbage dump that exists into a user friendly, meaningful project for residents today & for our children’s future.
Joan Nickeson January 18, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Lon, this will not go into Port Jefferson, but Port Jefferson Station.
Lon Cohen (Editor) January 18, 2013 at 01:47 pm
Hi Joan, I will make the change in the article. Thanks for catching that. - Lon
Gerard Hall May 20, 2013 at 03:25 am
I have been looking forward to have this 10 mile trail in this area for years . It would be great not to have to drive into Bethpage Park to be able to enjoy a safe day of bike riding. A 3 mile trail that starts in the middle is kind of pointless. Many would still have to drive to the starting point with their bikes

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