karl.qxd
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I am familiar with various groups going after federal monies for these types of trails. They are not really trails but rather roads where motorized vehicles are supposedly not allowed. This type of concept works great, say, for a link within a rails-to-trails conversion, where the trail actually connects to a greater network. The idea with the federally funded trail is that it can be used by would-be commuters as a means of alternative transportation.
The notion of this type of trail running through the forest preserve and surrounding area seems to make absolutely no sense whatsoever. The first thing you look at in trail building is the purpose, use, and type of trail needed. You’ve got a group of people who have just spent $300,000 and are still scratching their heads. Additionally, with this federally funded trail, you are required to build to the federal specifications, which in this case would be environmentally damaging and such an overkill for what that area needs (if any type of trail is actually needed at all). Looking at a map, I see how close this city is to the airport. Do you know how much sound those trees absorb, or how much sound that new pavement will bounce around? You would be surprised.
Without any real legal response for the residents now, this new trail project would invite an all-out free-for-all. The result would be disastrous in every aspect should this somehow move forward. With a natural area located within a metropolis such as Chicago, I will be glad to offer my consultative services for under $300,000.
