Dear Editor,
Recently Baldwin County citizens voted in the SPLOST tax to repair/repave county roads. Since then the county manager has stated, “part of the SPLOST money is going toward the building of the walking trail around the airport.” Most taxpayers are not aware of this change in the use of the money.
Over 155 airport residents have signed a petition opposing the very costly walking trail. Misuse of money for an expensive project is only one reason for the opposition. Maintenance of the trail will fall on the taxpayers for years to come.
One of the most glaring points is that the trail will cut through the yards of 40 houses around the airport. A tremendous concern is the safety hazard of walkers going close to the point where planes take off and land. Other reasons include government takeover of homeowners’ land, devaluing of property, water surface runoff which can cause litigation against the county, and many safety issues.
Also, the Federal Aviation Administration has deemed the trail area as “incompatible land use for a walking trail.”
Although the county manager states, “it is a trail for walkers and bikers,” the polled bikers say, “they will continue to use the roads for biking.” Furthermore, there are already various walking paths in Milledgeville at the hospital, recreation department, and the Oconee Greenway down by the river.
To misuse the SPLOST money for a walking trail is a slap to taxpayers who want the money to be spent on better and safer roads.
Marlene Lovejoy, Milledgeville, GA 31061
Editor’s note: plans for the trail were canceled on Jan. 16 after a 3-2 vote of the Baldwin County Commissioners.