In the quiet city of Concord, New Hampshire, a 5.7-mile stretch of railroad tracks running from Horseshoe Pond north to Boscawen has become the center of a heated debate that pits public infrastructure ambitions against the survival of a unique local business. The City of Concord is poised to acquire this corridor as part of the Merrimack River Greenway Trail expansion, a project designed to enhance recreational opportunities and connectivity through a statewide rail trail network. Yet, this forward-looking plan threatens Scenic RailRiders, a popular rail-biking operation that relies on these very tracks to offer a distinctive experience to thousands of visitors each year. The conflict encapsulates a broader struggle between the push for community-wide benefits and the preservation of a niche private enterprise. As tensions rise, the question looms: can progress and tradition find a way to coexist, or must one yield to the other? This dilemma, set to be debated at a crucial City Council meeting, has captured the attention of residents and stakeholders alike, highlighting the delicate balance of growth and local identity.
A Vision for Public Recreation
The City of Concord stands at a pivotal moment with the chance to purchase a critical railroad corridor for $535,000, supplemented by an additional $143,000 drawn from taxpayer bonds and recreational impact fees. This acquisition is a cornerstone of the Merrimack River Greenway Trail project, which aims to link with the Northern Rail Trail, forming an extensive network for pedestrians, cyclists, and alternative transportation users. Backed by federal grants, the initiative promises to bolster community health and sustainability by providing free access to outdoor spaces. City planners view this as a long-term investment in public good, envisioning a future where residents can seamlessly traverse the region without relying on vehicles. The trail’s potential to enhance quality of life and attract environmentally conscious visitors adds to its appeal, positioning Concord as a leader in regional green initiatives.
However, the path to realizing this vision is constrained by stringent federal guidelines tied to the funding. Safety and design standards dictate how the corridor must be developed, with trail advocates emphasizing that the narrow width of the stretch poses challenges for accommodating anything beyond a standard trail. Deviating from these specifications risks losing critical financial support or compromising user safety, a concern that weighs heavily on city officials. Moreover, the project’s scope extends beyond local boundaries, aligning with statewide efforts to create interconnected recreational pathways. This broader context underscores the significance of the acquisition, even as it raises difficult questions about what might be sacrificed in the name of progress. The Greenway Trail represents a commitment to a shared future, but at what cost to existing local treasures?
The Plight of a Unique Local Attraction
Since its inception in 2019, Scenic RailRiders has carved out a special place in Concord’s recreational landscape by offering visitors the chance to pedal four-wheeled carts along the historic railroad tracks now targeted for conversion. Founded by Gary LeBlanc, this business has grown into a significant draw, bringing in thousands of out-of-region tourists annually who contribute to the local economy through spending at nearby shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Far from being just a personal endeavor, Scenic RailRiders serves as a quirky yet impactful ambassador for Concord, showcasing the city’s charm and fostering a sense of community pride. The rhythmic clatter of rail bikes along the tracks has become a symbol of unique leisure, blending nostalgia with active outdoor fun.
The looming threat of the Greenway Trail expansion, however, casts a dark shadow over this local gem. If the tracks are removed to make way for the trail, LeBlanc faces the stark reality of shuttering his business, as no feasible alternative location exists in the New England area. The emotional toll of potentially losing a livelihood is compounded by the economic ripple effects on the city, as the influx of visitors could dwindle without this distinctive attraction. LeBlanc’s frustration is evident in his poignant question about why a compromise cannot be reached to save both the trail and his operation. This situation highlights the vulnerability of small businesses when caught in the crosshairs of larger public projects, raising concerns about how much weight individual enterprises carry in urban planning decisions. For many in Concord, Scenic RailRiders is more than a business—it’s a piece of the city’s character on the line.
Challenges of Finding Common Ground
At the heart of this dispute lies a fundamental question of coexistence, with Gary LeBlanc advocating for a shared-use model that would allow Scenic RailRiders to operate alongside the proposed Greenway Trail. He has even proposed contributing financially to maintain the tracks, hoping to offset any additional costs to the city while preserving his business. This suggestion reflects a desire for innovative solutions in a situation where both parties stand to lose something valuable. LeBlanc’s vision of a dual-purpose corridor, where rail bikes and trail users could share space, speaks to a broader hope for balance between public infrastructure and private enterprise. Yet, his efforts to engage with city officials have reportedly met with little response, deepening the sense of being overlooked in a decision that could erase his life’s work.
On the other side, trail proponents and city planners point to substantial barriers that complicate any compromise. The narrow width of the corridor, coupled with strict federal safety and design standards tied to grant funding, limits the feasibility of accommodating multiple uses without risking user safety or forfeiting financial support. Additionally, the current owner of the tracks, CSX, holds salvage rights over the materials, a factor embedded in the sale price of $535,000. Retaining the tracks could necessitate further compensation to CSX, increasing the financial burden on Concord and potentially derailing the trail project’s budget. These logistical and regulatory constraints underscore the complexity of finding middle ground, even as they highlight the practical challenges of aligning diverse interests. As the City Council prepares to deliberate, the lack of dialogue between stakeholders remains a critical obstacle to a resolution that satisfies all parties.
Navigating the Future of Concord’s Landscape
As the debate over the railroad corridor heads to a decisive City Council meeting, the community of Concord finds itself at a crossroads where the outcome could shape not only the fate of the Greenway Trail and Scenic RailRiders but also set a precedent for how similar conflicts are handled in the region. Trail supporters argue that the long-term benefits of connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability outweigh the immediate losses, emphasizing the broader public good that a completed rail trail network would bring. Their position, bolstered by federal backing and regional planning goals, frames the project as a necessary step toward a healthier, more integrated future for residents and visitors alike. The public hearing promises to be a forum for passionate voices on this side to make their case for prioritizing infrastructure over a single business.
Meanwhile, the perspective of Gary LeBlanc and his supporters, amplified through community letters and advocacy, underscores the tangible economic and personal impacts of potentially losing Scenic RailRiders. The business’s role in drawing tourism revenue and enhancing Concord’s unique appeal cannot be easily dismissed, and the call for a creative solution resonates with those who value local character alongside progress. Looking ahead, the city might consider exploring alternative funding mechanisms or design innovations that could mitigate costs and safety concerns, potentially allowing both uses to thrive. Another avenue could involve deeper collaboration with small business owners like LeBlanc to ensure their voices are heard early in planning processes. Whatever the decision, the resolution of this issue will likely influence future debates over land use, urging policymakers to weigh immediate sacrifices against long-term gains with greater care and transparency.
