It seems as if the Greenway Funds that are granted as part of the NYPA relicensing agreement for the Moses Power Plant seem to have a habit of burning a hole in the pockets of local municipalities. All types of ideas spring up. Some have merit and will no doubt deliver a great benefit to the general public. Others leave you shaking your head as you wonder who in the world thought of that nonsense.
Recently the Town of Lewiston has agreed to use a large portion of its greenway funds to build a $1.1 million walking path from Whirlpool State Park to the Village of Lewiston. As for the village itself I think it is one of the most beautiful places in Western New York. Charming old buildings that echo an 1850 style, well maintained tree lined streets and the most wonderful restaurants and shops. I think it’s a “must see” for any visitors coming to the area.
But does anyone really think that visitors to the area will walk miles along a narrow corridor to travel down Lewiston hill to see the village? Even more importantly after shopping and eating a satisfying meal how many people do you think will want to trudge up a long steep hill and walk miles to get back to their car? I bet you can count the numbers who do on one hand.
Lewiston already has the most amazing walking and biking paths for their residents. Whether walking from Pletcher road to the Village through a peaceful sylvan setting or taking a summer stroll along the beautiful Lower Niagara River the residents aren’t at any loss for places to enjoy a walk. So why does Lewiston need another pathway?
This walkway alongside of the highway will only be of benefit a handful of local residents or exercise runners. Some have said the pathway it is a perfect place for a bicycle trip between the two attractions. But I don’t think it’s a good idea for bikes to be sharing that steep path with walkers, and it won’t be fun to ride or push your bicycle all the way back up that hill after coasting down it.
There must have been a better way to put those dollars to use on a project that the majority of the local residents could enjoy. But I guess when something in your pocket is burning the only thing to do is empty out as quickly as possible.