Exercising for 30 minutes a day can benefit health and improve quality of life. That is why Tenafly is yet another town that may be be jumping on the bandwagon of turning its unused railroad tracks into a pathway for walkers and bikers.

The goal of the Northern Valley Greenway Project is to convert the old CSX Railroad into a multi-purpose greenway similar to the High Line in New York City.  The High Line is a linear greenway and track that stretches for 1.5 miles in Manhattan. According to Wikipedia, the rusted tracks that run through our small, suburban town have gone unused for 51 years, with the last passenger train being used in 1966. The tracks serve as an ancient and corroded part of Tenafly that has become the site for many joggers and dog walkers.

The people of Tenafly believe the project can be beneficial to many residents and promote health. “This path will encourage healthy activity and be connected all the way up to the New York State border. This will allow residents to go on long walks or bike rides. More importantly, it will ensure the safety of bikers by keeping them off the streets and roadways,” said Mayor Peter Rustin, who has confidence in the development of the greenway. He plans to be a regular user of the pathway, going on long walks accompanied by his two Golden Retrievers. The Greenway Project, though new,  already has a cluster of supporters under its belt. But it also has its detractors.

The Northern Valley Greenway Committee recently issued a survey that asked a variety of questions regarding the development and usefulness of the path. The survey asked how often one would use the trail and about its many intended purposes. It also touched upon the various amenities and businesses it could bring to the local Tenafly area. “Right now 9W is one of the busiest bikeways in the country, especially on the weekends. If you’re bringing all these people downtown, where the train tracks are located, the path would be able to support many local businesses,” said Mayor Rustin when asked about the economic impact of the trail. A lengthy pathway is the perfect place to set up a stand or food truck for citizens passing by.  The survey questioned what types of food a user would like to see and what other stations should be set up, such as public restrooms and water fountains. The last questions raised some important setbacks of the pathway and its impact on the town. Respondents were asked about the various concerns they had regarding the trail. “Town residents are concerned with how it affects their property values and opening a pathway into a town with people transiting back and forth can bring concerns of littering, noise and crime,” said Mr. Mirabito, a History teacher at the school. The survey  included other concerns such as loitering, maintenance, funding, safety, and environmental impact.

So will you have a place in Tenafly to go on a early morning run or to take your dog on a walk? Only time will time tell with the proposal of a greenway being a very new and exciting idea to many Tenafly citizens. Before the construction commences, the  project will have to go through various committees in local government, pass zoning laws, and be assessed to ensure the safety of the people, whether on or off the trail. Maybe a brand new pathway is just what Tenafly needs to upgrade its rustic scenery and add some health and community to the town.