Fjord Trail Report Delayed

1. I wonder that construction should continue, or that it began at all, without the impact reports and dispositions which are typically preconstruction studies.

2. How ironic that this week’s full-page ad from the Fjord Trail folks enjoins us – in bold print – to “get the facts,” then has the gall to picture two serene individuals walking slowly down a rather narrow, otherwise empty pathway.

   I assume that this is some meaningless computer-generated image, since the fact is that what will be constructed in this neighborhood, whether we like it or not, will be teeming with tourists by the thousands, voices and speakers blaring, shoving past each other in both directions, every weekend. Another fact is that the entire controversy regards the number of people this project will bring to our community, and for the Fjord group to suggest that this number will be “two” bespeaks the total cynicism with which they have presented this done deal from the get-go.

   To the extent that Fjord Trail has always massively understated its tourist numbers and its ruinous impact on our local environment, I suppose an image of two lonely locals enjoying a quiet stroll is the perfect picture of their total deception after all. But I wish The Current would stop accepting ad revenue from this group, since it’s otherwise completely false advertising, and it just riles up people like me who will likely never stop hating this thing.

3. This ardent walker, cyclist and hiker was saddened to hear that the section of the Fjord Trail connecting Cold Spring with Little Stony Point and the rest of the trail will be just in time to have his unborn grandchildren push this writer along in his wheelchair — on hold until at least 2032. The earthen ramp is a wistful reminder of quashed vision left reaching into the void, like the National Monument of Scotland left unfinished since 1829.

   The familiar objections of the xenophobes who consistently peek through curtains and not only look a gift horse in the mouth but try to shoot it in the forehead before even that gesture of ingratitude enjoys a vaunted tradition in the village.

   Foundry Cove, Foundry Dock and the Northgate all stridently resisted by non-ambulatory misanthropes that converted eyesores into assets. Now, the curtain peepers and non-cyclists have prevailed in a resounding door slam that echoes through the valley in its lack of generosity.

   The Highlands, if it isn’t already, should be a UNESCO World Heritage site, belonging not just to us but to everyone. Like it or not the people will be coming in greater numbers trail or no trail.

   Lo, there were Springers. Living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their doors at night. An Angel of the Fjord appeared to them, and the glory of the Fjord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of Cold Spring a trail has been born to you; it is the Messiah, the Fjord.”

4. The newest ad for the Fjord Trail stresses the placement of two new roundabouts on Route 9D. I appreciate in general the use of roundabouts to improve the safety of existing intersections; thus, the Fair Street location may make sense. Creating a new “intersection” at the Dutchess Manor is foolish. I appreciate the desire to improve safety for visitors, especially hikers. However, those of us who live here are entitled to consideration of our day-to-day driving needs. For us, Route 9D is basic transportation. Unnecessary delay and artificial traffic shifts intended to accommodate tourists at the expense of local drivers seem foolish ideas. It will be interesting to observe the effects of the imminent tunnel repair lane reduction

Comments are closed.