How will security concerns of adjacent property owners be addressed?
Safety and security of adjacent property owners is an important issue that will be addressed in design, prior to construction. On-going feedback from adjacent property owners will also be important in monitoring the effectiveness of visual and physical controls and efforts to discourage trespass. Studies in similar rural areas across the country have shown that the types of crime typical of abandoned rail corridors (trespass, vandalism, loitering and littering) either stayed the same or decreased once the trails were constructed and maintained. Studies have also shown that keeping trails clean and well-maintained reduces the environment that contributes to criminal activity. The presence of other trail users helps to minimize undesirable behavior. A completed trail is different than an abandoned rail corridor. Problems attributable to an overgrown, littered, unmanaged public right-of-way can be mitigated by creating a trail that will be managed, maintained, has permitted uses and is le
