Palmer'€™s original rail plan was the right one for everybody

Anybody who believes the Alaska Railroad will restore the rails dividing Palmer in its middle has to be reminiscing rather than being realistic.

First of all, what Palmer resident wants a locomotive driving through the belly of the town, whistle blowing and closing cross-town traffic? And what possible use would a train bring to Blueberry Street? Picking up and dropping off skateboarders?

Several months ago, city officials in Palmer announced a plan to have the rails removed from downtown and begin work on a long-discussed downtown revitalization project that would include a running/walking/bicycling trail from the Matanuska River to the rail station at the fairgrounds. The city should stick to that plan.

First, the new trail could be the main arterial for several trails to connect to in Palmer, making it a truly pedestrian-friendly place as city officials want it to be. A trail system would encourage walking and bicycling that not only leads to a healthier town, but might keep a few cars and pickups off the streets.

Second, the rails physically divide the town. People really do live on the other side of the tracks in Palmer. One of the streets that does cross the tracks is right by the senior center. Imagine getting your wheelchair or motorized cart across the track. Palmer has made plans to make that crossing for the elderly and disabled easier, but it would be even better if the rails weren’t there.

Those who think the railroad represents a valuable look at the past should look again. The railroad is not doing any upkeep. The city isn’t either. So what you have is a long, weedy, rusting remnant that’s an eyesore.

A compromise that has been mentioned is to leave — and keep up — a section of the track at the depot downtown. That’s been done other places to keep the memory of train travel and shipping alive for locals and tourists.

One day, maybe, train traffic will be valuable to Palmer folks again. That day is in the distant future, when commuter cars come to town or with flatcars that can carry cars and pickups for a trip to Anchorage.

For now and the future, tear up the railroad tracks. Make Palmer whole again and get on with the downtown revitalization that will make Palmer an even better place to live and visit.