Top of Mind: What do you think of Albuquerque’s planned 7-mile Rail Trail that would circle the Downtown area?

Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION:

What do you think of Albuquerque’s planned 7-mile Rail Trail that would circle the Downtown area?

“Yes. I can see the Rail Trail being wildly popular for residents and visitors alike. A beautiful link between Downtown, Wells Park + Saw Mill, Old Town and the Bosque connects the present to our history, present and future. It could be totally transformational.”

— Katya Crawford, Albuquerque

“Sure, great idea for another photo shoot for our … mayor and more room for the homeless drug addicts and alcoholics to camp out in.”

— Michael Pacheco, Albuquerque

“The Rail Trail is a ridiculous waste of taxpayer money. ABQ’s politicians forget they’re public servants who should work to combat crime and repair infrastructure. We don’t need an atrocious neon tumbleweed that will soon fall into disrepair like the rainbow crosswalk — another silly waste of taxpayer money.”

— Joseph Foor, Albuquerque

“If the mayor and city government would do their jobs and address the homeless problem and crime, people could enjoy the whole city, not just the latest feel-good waste of money that will inevitably be overrun by tents and drugs.”

— Ed Draper, Tijeras

“This will be just like the disastrous ART project. The only people using it will be the criminals and the homeless.”

— Greg Natzke, Albuquerque

“The Rail Trail would benefit just a few people but soon will be an expensive, dirty, tagged, homeless camp. It’s a waste of our money. Mayor Keller wants another good guy badge.”

— E. Purser, Albuquerque

“First soccer stadium, now 7-mile Rail Trail, next Aquatic Center. The city spends money on frilly things. But our city streets are in very, very poor condition. To the point I am having auto repairs. Our city streets need to come first. Replaced and not just patched.”

— William King, Albuquerque

“Perhaps before spending millions of dollars on another white elephant (re: ART Bus), we should focus first on eliminating crime in the area so that people will actually want to go Downtown. Just an idea.”

- Barbi Cappel, Albuquerque

“I think the Rail Trail is a gross waste of tax dollars, $60 million, seriously. To highlight Keller’s defining legacy, a 25-foot high Russian thistle, aka tumbleweed, an invasive and noxious plant. Perfect, for a sanctuary city.”

— Bob Madison, Albuquerque

“We need a reality check. The city cannot control even one railroad underpass on Central and they want a 7-mile Rail Trail?”

— Melvin Glasgow, Albuquerque

“It’s a bad idea in Albuquerque due to ABQ’s high crime rate. It will lead to more dangerous situations for unarmed joggers and bikers along its length, danger in the form of violent encounters, discarded needles, drug deals, thefts, assaults, etc. I do not support.”

— Elaine Summerhill, Tijeras