Cohen should heed CB 8 on paving the Putnam Trail

To the editor,

I would like to echo the concern Thomas Casey raised about Councilman Cohen’s stand on the Putnam Trail:   “Mr. Cohen cannot play both sides with the Putnam Trail.  I believe there is only one environmental stand, that you must be for no asphalt, no compromise.” (“Cohen should take a firm stand,” Feb.  5). I also applaud third grader Miriam Gold for her essay advocating for nature (“Nature is all around us,” Feb. 5).  She and all children deserve to have experiences in nature in their parks.

Mr. Cohen seems to think that the Putnam Trail is a bicyclist vs. runner issue. There are many other users of this trail, such as parents with children, school groups out with the rangers or their teachers to enjoy and explore nature, birders and other nature enthusiasts such as hikers. Community Board 8 has stated that any surfacing of the Putnam Trail must be non-toxic, permeable and flexible.  I hope that Mr. Cohen will not waver from this resolution.

Deborah Dolan