Advocate for More Public Parks

Share your support and help extend the Corkscrew Rail Trail

July 1, 2018

Columbia County is considering a private land sale to the Corkscrew Rail Trail Association in New Lebanon. Parks and trails have numerous benefits to the community, including recreation and economic development. Columbia County does not have a parks department nor an active plan to create and manage public parks. We rely on non profits and other agencies to create and manage these resources. And now we have an opportunity to leverage a huge amount of resources. By doing the private sale to the Corkscrew Rail Trail, we get the creation and maintenance of the extended trail at very little cost.

In April, I voted to support the resolution and move it out of the County Government Committee.

Over a hundred comments were made in support of expanding the trail at a recent New Lebanon meeting. Then, a second meeting was held—again with large support.

Members of the public turned out in large numbers Thursday night in support of Columbia County’s plan to sell property at 16 Lovers Lane to the Corkscrew Rail Trail Association for $500, contending the rail trail could be a boon to the town.

Register-Star, May 18, 2018

Despite the strong support, the New Lebanon Town Board passed a resolution against the County’s private sale. Then the County Government Committee voted against the private sale and to instead put up the property for public auction. I was the sole vote in favor of the private sale and against the auction.

Join people from around the county and share your support for public parks and the extension of the Corkscrew Rail Trail. Contact your County Supervisor and tell them to support the Corkscrew Rail Trail. If you don’t know your supervisor’s contact, then send your comments to the Board of Supervisors clerk.

Learn more about my environmental policy.