Some good news for cyclists and pedestrians who enjoy the South County trail. The final segment of the South County trail (a gap in Elmsford) is now connected!  One can now cycle from the Westchester/NYC border to Putnam County –37 miles!  Many joggers, cyclists and walkers will be thrilled.  The South and North County trail used to be the right of way lands of the former Old Putnam Railroad from Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx to the Putnam County border.

New York State began construction of the North County Trail way in the 1980s, leasing the rights to the county. In 1991, Westchester acquired the right-of-way for the South County Trail way. Construction of this final phase began earlier this year.  When I was a member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators I actively lobbied my colleagues in the Legislature to acquire the Old Putnam property (south county trail)  for a bikeway/path. I discussed the need at almost every County Board of Legislators meeting for at least two years. In recent years many people have reached out to me and county officials asking when the path (around Elmsford) will be completed. Pleased that the county funded and completed the work –enabling cyclists to bike the complete length. Can’t wait to get on my bicycle to enjoy the entire scenic path.

PAUL FEINER