From today's Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, the line is the former NYC which ran from the Lake along the east side of the river to downtown.
New trail in city a bright spot for residents
Patrick Flanigan
Staff writer
(December 19, 2006) — Mayor Robert Duffy announced Monday the city has secured more than $2 million in federal, state and local funds to transform an abandoned railroad bed that cuts through one of the city's most troubled neighborhoods into hiking and biking trails.
"This trail is a perfect example of what can be accomplished through collaboration and partnership," Duffy said in a statement.
The El Camino Butterhole-Seneca Park Trail will extend 2.25 miles from Seneca Park to St. Paul Street near Scrantom Street.
It is currently an abandoned railroad bed that is covered with weeds and littered with garbage.
Duffy said the trail will improve public safety, provide a venue to teach children about the history of their neighborhood and enhance the value of adjacent properties.
The city in November was awarded a $2 million federal Transportation Enhancement Program grant to be used for the trail.
That will be combined with a $50,000 state grant and a $150,000 grant from Eastman Kodak Co. to design and develop the trail.
Police Commander Peter Brunett, who heads the eastside patrol division, said in its current state the trail provides an escape route for drug dealers along Conkey Avenue to run away from approaching police cars.
A paved trail would invite more legitimate pedestrian traffic and make it easier for bicycle-mounted officers to patrol it, Brunett said.
"We're already seeing some positive economic development creeping in, with new houses in that area," Brunett said, adding that an inviting walking trail could spur those efforts by creating an amenity for the new residents. "We'll do whatever we can in the Police Department to support that."
The trail idea was first conceived by the Genesee Land Trust six years ago and included input from several area organizations, including the Ibero American Action League and the Group 14621 Community Association. Using a civic engagement grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation, the Trust recruited hundreds of volunteers to help clean the trail. More community events on the trail will take place next year.
Officials hope to complete construction of the trail upgrades by the fall of 2008.
[email protected]