While I support a trail off to the side, I am vehemently opposed to destroying rail lines. I am a former business owner in Beacon, NY whose business was a stone throw from the train line.
While bike trail would have benefited my business (and the new owner would benefit now), I also think it is imperative to save unused lines for future use. The tri-state area’s population is growing and we must consider the impact a train line could have.
The Beacon Line starts in Beacon, NY (intersecting with the Hudson Line) and terminates at Southeast,NY (intersecting with the Harlem Line and the Maybrook Line which takes one in Danbury). How cool would it be for someone to hop on at Beacon or Hopewell and take a train to the Danbury Fair Mall.
The resurrection of the Beacon and Maybrook lines could reduce the dependency of I-84 (a highway locals LOATHE)