Legis. Anker Sets Focus on Three-Mile Trail Starting at Tesla Property

While a Rails to Trails project from Port Jefferson to Wading River has been discussed, Legis. Sarah Anker, D-Mt. Sinai, has turned her focus to a smaller trail beginning at Tesla property in Shoreham.

As Anker told Patch in December, she would begin looking at the possibility of this smaller three-mile trail as opposed to the originally proposed 10-mile trail over the long-abandoned LIRR Wading River extension line from Mt. Sinai to Wading River.

“Rails to Trails is a wonderful project that will provide residents with outdoor enjoyment while increasing the economic value to our area,” Anker said. “I am meeting with the Shoreham and Wading River Civics, LIPA and the County Executive’s office to discuss cost and liability agreements that are required to move forward with this project.”

Two informational meetings were held on the original project. According to Anker, the three-mile trail being considered will begin by the newly acquired Tesla Museum site and will continue toward Wading River Elementary School, ending at Wading River Manor Road. This new trail would also avoid areas heavily adjacent to homes, such as Rocky Point, which was a main concern in the past.

"The proximity of the trail to the 5,200 acre RCA state preserve will maximize the value to ecotourism," she said. "The result will not only be a local community bike path providing a safe alternative for pedestrian traffic; it will be an investment in the future of our local economy.”

Would you like to see a three-mile trail? Would you prefer the originally proposed 10-mile trail beginning in Port Jefferson, or would you rather there be no trail created at all?