To the editor:

The Rally for the Rails was so fantastic this past weekend. I loved seeing the diversity of people who showed up in support of a rails-with-trails win-win solution. There were people from so many different friend groups: friends of historic preservation, friends of recreation and tourism promotion, friends of environmental conservation, and perhaps the biggest group was friends who own local businesses. And kids! Lots of enthusiastic local Adirondack kids!

I’m so proud to be part of this positive movement that offers something for everyone and recognizes our special Adirondack heritage. No matter what side of the issue you’re on with regard to the railroad, we are nonetheless all neighbors in this 6 million-acre neighborhood. And we all can agree that we love this unique place we live.

When you list the things that define those of us who call this Park our home, it’s a long list, but it’s a list that is unique. We are full-time residents, seasonal residents, rich, poor, historic preservationists, hikers, cyclists, snowmobilers, retirees, families with young kids, hunters and fishermen, extreme athletes, environmentalists, small business owners and grassroots community builders. We are diverse!

And that’s why I feel that we need a diverse solution to connect our communities. We need to save our railroad so that people of all ages and abilities can experience our Park, and so that we respect the purpose of the state and national historic registers, and so that we can have future opportunities for transportation innovation. But also, we need to build a trail system to connect our communities and build on our Tri-Lakes identity where Tupper Lake, Lake Clear, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid are separate jewels shining together in this Adirondack crown that sits on top of New York state.

As grassroots community builders and the rugged people we are for choosing to make our lives here, we can do this. We can have a railroad and community connector trails, and thereby honor our diversity while working together as neighbors. Save the rails, save our recreational and economic diversity, and save our communities.

Sunita Halasz

Saranac Lake