Disappointed that Greenway is on ballot
I was saddened to see the Greenway millionaires have succeeded in getting the signatures required for their initiative to vote on the future of clean passenger rail service for the branch rail line.
The current plan is to build the trail and keep the rail, such as on the completed trail portions. Now they are swaying the commissioners with threatening lawsuits. Why would a group that supposedly supports a trail delay its construction as is planned? It might take another decade to re-plan, design, permit and fund the trail. Is there something greener about their motives than the trail?
They have been very deceptive to the signers, like not telling them that future rail options would be eliminated forever, yet stating that they preserve rights. Tell the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission leaders to continue with planned trail and future clean light rail.
Frank Rimicci, Santa Cruz County
The Watsonville Rail Depot deserves better
Every time I see that historic 1880s vintage Southern Pacific Type 22 rail depot on Walker Street in downtown Watsonville, I shake my head. Why? Because this structure has been allowed to deteriorate without any attempts by the owner of the property it sits on to restore it. He is a prominent member of the anti-rail group Greenway and could there be a political correlation?
The iconic structure’s interior suffered damage from a fire several years ago and yet no repair has been done. As it stands, (no pun) it will continue to degrade and end up like the Redman House out on Beach Road.
There has to be a concerted effort by local historians to place this structure on the Register of Historic Places. This artifact deserves better.
Gary V. Plomp, Gilroy
The Pajaronian welcomes letters. Letters and columns may be dropped off or mailed to The Pajaronian, 21 Brennan St., Suite 18, Watsonville, CA 95076. Letters and columns may also be sent via email to tn****@pa********.com . Letters should be less than 300 words, and columns are no more than 700 words. All letters and columns must be signed and have an address and phone number for confirmation purposes. We reserve the right to edit and condense all submissions.
