-----Original Message-----
From: jameswilliamsesq@aol.com
To: Selectmen@edgartown-ma.us
Sent: Fri, Aug 14, 2009 11:09 am
Subject: Re: Proposed Chappy bike path

To: Board of Selectmen 
As a taxpayer, I am writing to express my opposition to a proposed Chappaquiddick bike path. I have the following questions and concerns: 
- Why is there now a need for a bike path after this has been discussed for over 30 years? There have been no accidents on Chappaquiddick between vehicles and bikes. Further, the way in which the bike path is being proposed it will cross the road at various points making it incredibly dangerous and making it ripe for accidents. 
- What will completion of the path cost? It has been said by proponents of the path that it will be "in the millions." Exactly where are these funds coming from? In any type of economy this is an incredible expenditure. 
- In terms of safety, how can a 5-8 ft. wide mixed use two-way bike path be safe? 
- How many acres of trees will need to be removed destroying Chappaquiddick's ecologically unique character and at what cost? 
- The assumption is that people will use the path. Many experienced bicyclists will prefer to use the road itself. As with cars, the most dangerous situation is when vehicles are going at different speeds. Despite Edgartown's excellent bike path system, accidents do occur regularly. 
- Who will maintain the path? How much will this cost? The most dangerous situation is a combination of sand/gravel and low vegetation. Chappaquiddick is unique in this regard. 
- How is a meandering path through sand driveways/trails/dirt roads/rutted paths in and around wetlands safer? 
- What about those whose property values are diminished because of encroachment? 
-The Community Preservation Act funds are to be used for "preserving" communities -- conservation, rehabilitation and historic restoration -- not "development" with new recreational projects. Chappaquiddick is a rural community. Those funds are to be used to purchase land for open space, not new recreational projects 
- How many bicyclists come to Chappy on the ferry? Does anyone know and how many during which months? How many people will use the path the rest of the time? There are miles and miles of roads and trails already existing that are spectacularly beautiful and perfect for bicycling, walking and jogging along. These statistics should be known before surveying costs are already spent. 
- How can a few committee members selected from Edgartown and Chappaquiddick decide fairly for a whole community and island that for the most part has no voice? 
Taxpayers must have a voice. 
Thank you. 
James Williams 
Chappaquiddick