Removing railroad tracks for WOW Trail is unimaginable

To The Daily Sun,

This letter is in response to Thursday's article about the removal of the train tracks to make way for the WOW Trail. I have lived at The Weirs for more than 40 years now. My two children were so excited during their early years to hear and see the train pass my home. Moreover, my three grandchildren show the same excitement. To even consider removing these tracks for a "public recreation space" is unimaginable.

As Ben Clark mentioned in the article, doesn't the fabric of the community and the lineage of the corridor have any bearing on future development in the area? Just as historic statues around the country are being removed, where are we heading with this issue?

At present, it is now a year-round "public recreation space" to the north and south. During the winter and early spring months, hundreds of snowmobilers travel these tracks. This is a legal designated snowmobile trail. From spring to late fall, they are utilized by the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad as a tourist attraction along with a cruise on the Mount, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Laconia has just spent an estimated $1.4 million on infrastructure at The Weirs, with street and lighting improvements to enhance these attractions. In addition to denying snowmobilers access to the use of the Channel Bridge, removal of the tracks would only add to a loss of economic tourism of snowmobilers during the winter months.

Everybody seems to be looking on how to improve the area to attract more numbers of visitors year round. THIS IS YOUR ANSWER?

John Gentile

Laconia