Update from Irvington: Pennsy Trail
2009.04.27
Construction progress is moving along well. We’ve had a bit of rain recently, but I think they are making good time so far. Also, here is my most recent post concerning the trail.
Also, there were a few happy news items relating to other portions of the trail. Stimulus and other funds have been allocated to fix up different portions of the trail, further extending its reach and usefulness. Here’s the latest press release:
April 2009
Cumberland Receives $2.6 Million for Pennsy Trail: Mark Reynold, Cumberland Town Council President, announced that on April 9 the Town of Cumberland was awarded $2.6 million to complete construction of the town’s 3-mile Pennsy Trail. This grant came through the Indianapolis MPO, the 9-county metro area board, with a vote on distribution of federal economic stimulus funds to projects that are “shovel ready”, meaning all environmental work done and right-of-way acquired. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held within a few months.
A larger write-up is available in this article from Indy Star about all the associated projects that received stimulus funds in Indiana.
Finally, here is the current status of the trail from the Indiana Trails website.
I like rails-to-trails. I use the Monon often. Although part of me is sad that the trains are not what they once were, the trails can shine some light some neglected areas (as buildings near abandoned railroad tracks tend to be forgotten), and increase bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to boot.
Yeah, I understand. The Icehouse building is adjacent to the B&O railroad so I have learned a lot about rail traffic. It reminds me of a beach, you never know what will wash up.
But the rail to trail conversion takes advantage of the railroad absolute right of way and uses it for a good cause, in my opinion. The public ceded the train ROW for private business use, and now it is being returned to the public.
I agree, and that Icehouse building is something I didn’t know about before you blogged about it.
BTW, I was in Irvington tonight, at the Irving Theatre. They mentioned that an architect now owns it and has big plans for it. That was news to me. It’s a cool building and I’m glad to see it come back to life.