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Phase One Of Putnam Bike Trailway Is Officially Open
1.8 mile paved bike path connects Westchester and Putnam Counties
by Claudia Gibson
 | | Members of the Putnam Rail Trail Association take an inaugural ride on the new Baldwin Place to Mahopac bike trail. |
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On a bright and balmy morning last Friday, October 5, two County Executives, Bob Bondi of Putnam and Andy Spano of Westchester, stood together near the county line to cut a red, white and blue ribbon, officially opening the first section of the Putnam Trailway.
Built on a section of the former Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad, the 1.8-mile bike path begins at Route 118 in Baldwin Place, on the county line near Somers and the Westchester Trailway, and continues on to Harlem Road in Mahopac. It is the first part of a planned three phase Putnam Trailway; Phase II will run for 5.68 miles from Mahopac to Seminary Hill Road in Carmel and Phase III will continue on for 3.9 miles to Brewster.
"This bikeway unites and connects our two counties," said Bondi, who hailed the new Putnam Trailway as "a legacy for all future generations of our County." Calling Phase I of the Trailway "a great beginning," Bondi said that the Putnam trail system could eventually connect to the western part of the County, as well as to Patterson and Danbury, CT in the east.
Commenting that he was looking forward to using the new section of the Putnam Trailway (and joking that he could now bicycle to Mr. Bondi’s house), Mr. Spano said that Westchester County’s Trailway system has proved a huge success. "We have had incredible use of the trail," said Mr. Spano. "It’s one of the most popular things in Westchester County."
John Lynch, Director of Planning and Development for Putnam County, recalled that the idea for the Putnam Trailway began over ten years ago, but only turned into reality when Federal funding became available. Eighty percent of the total $15 million cost of the project will be paid for with Federal money.
"It took from 1991 to 2001," said Mr. Lynch, "but now we are standing on the pavement."
Mr. Lynch praised the New York State Department of Transportation for their assistance with the project’s planning, design and construction, calling the agency, "a partner from the beginning." He also thanked elected officials from Putnam and Westchester Counties for their support throughout the process.
The cooperation between the two counties was cited by several speakers, including State Senator Vincent Leibell, who called the trail another example of "two great counties working together in 1,000 ways."
Added Town of Somers Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy, "Regional cooperation is the way of the future – I’m proud to be part of it."
Philipstown’s County Legislator Vinny Tamagna echoed that sentiment, saying that to him, the trail symbolized the country’s motto: "E Pluribus Unum – we are one." He added, "It’s great to see the coordination and cooperation."
Tamagna also cited the support of the Hudson River Valley Greenway, saying, "When you talk about bike paths, you’re talking about preservation of the environment as well." An added benefit for residents of both counties was cited by Carmen Mantello of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, who said, "The trail is not just recreation – it connects people."
Jane Daniels, a member of the Greenway Conservancy, decide to don her helmet and ride over to the ceremony from the Mahopac Library, saying, "Biking here gave me the opportunity to try out the trail." She was one of several people who decided to take an inaugural ride that morning.
New York State Assemblyman Willis Stephens praised the advocacy of local citizens groups, particularly the Putnam Rail Trail Association, for their efforts in bringing the trail from concept into reality.
Barry Leibowitz, President of the Putnam Rail Trail Association, said his group has been working for the past six years contacting elected officials, urging the creation of the Putnam Trailway. He added that while Putnam County will handle the bulk of the new trail’s maintenance, volunteers are also needed. Those interested should call the Rail Trail message line at (845) 278-5990 or write the Putnam Rail Trail Association, P.O. Box 80, Mahopac, NY 10547.
Looking to the future, Carmel Town Supervisor Frank DelCampo promised, "We will do all in our power to move into Phase II as quickly as possible." A plan to finance Phase II of the Trailway was proposed by Mr. Bondi for next year’s County budget.
Mr. DelCampo also called the trail "a linkage – symbolic, but it is real." Putnam County Legislator Regina Morini provided another link, from the past to the present, recalling how she rode over the same ground on the New York Central train line many years ago. "When it stopped running," she said, "I never dreamed it would one day become a bike trail."
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