(3/30) Bryant Despeaux, president of the H&F Trolley Association presented a phased proposal for extensions to the town’s Trolley Trail during the March 5 town meeting. The organization is looking for the Town to support extension plans for the trail, commit town labor and equipment for construction and eventually, commit to acquiring land for the trail park and work with the organization to develop a park.

The H&F Trolley Association was started about a year ago and currently consists of a five-member board, with 60 members involved. The organization’s core mission is to advocate for the construction of a multi-use trail along the old H&F Railroad right-of-way; raise funds for the construction of the H&F Trolley Trail and other trails in Frederick County; provide volunteers to help maintain the trail; and sponsor and host events that promote the use of the trail. Despeaux said, "We want to make the trail a destination trail."

As explained by Despeaux, trails like the Trolley Trail are important and beneficial for towns like Thurmont in many ways. Multi-use trails create many opportunities for communities and allow people to get outside and be active. They also provide a safe walking path for families, children and dog owners, and provide educational and volunteering opportunities for schools, youth groups and other local organizations. Extending the Trolley Trail could also increase foot traffic in and around Thurmont, which would be beneficial to the town’s businesses.

Commissioners were presented with both long-term and short-term goals for the Trolley Trail. The long-term goal would be to extend the Trolley Trail all the way to Frederick, which would create fifteen miles of uninterrupted trail for walkers, bikers and hikers. It would also provide a safe cycle commuting opportunity for residents of Thurmont, Lewistown and Yellow Springs. Another long-term goal would be to extend the Trolley Trail to Emmitsburg. This could add another eight miles in the northern direction of the trail. The trail could even meet up with the proposed trail currently under discussion in the Borough of Gettysburg that may run from Gettysburg to Emmitsburg, creating even more miles of multi-user trails.

In the meantime, the H&F Trolley Association would like to see smaller extensions to the trail. Both a northern extension, connecting the existing Trolley Trail to the Eyler Road Park, and a southern extension, which would run parallel to the water treatment access road across Potomac Edison property on Moser Rd., were proposed. The northern extension would double the current length of the trail by adding an additional .77 - .89 miles of trail, and could eventually link up in Emmitsburg. It would provide a car-free path for children and families wanting to walk to Eyler Road Park. Although it would most likely be well in the future, Despeaux also proposed establishing an H&F Trolley Trail park along the southern extension.

Projected costs for the construction of this trail vary depending on the surface used. The estimated cost for an asphalt trail would be the more expensive route to go, costing approximately $190,000. A stone dust path would only cost $70,000. Although the cost of stone dust is cheaper, Commissioners discussed that asphalt is easier for bikers and wheelchairs and the town has had issues with it washing out in the past. Commissioner Marty Burns suggested the town could use stone dust initially and then repave with asphalt over time, or when funds or grant monies become available.

Additionally, Commissioners discussed the possibility of procuring grant funds for these projects. Project Open Space grant funds are available every year. This project would be eligible to receive funds through this program, noted Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick.

Commissioners seemed to be unanimously in favor of an extension to the Trolley Trail, both in the northern and southern directions. No official action was taken on this topic during this meeting, but further discussions will be held in the future.