Save The Trail Petition

Testimony before the

COG Transportation Planning Board

May 20, 2009

Bev Denbo

Greater Bethesda Chevy Chase Coalition

Today I speak on behalf of the Greater Bethesda Chevy Chase Coalition.  For over twenty years, the GBCCC now representing thousands of Capital Crescent Trail users has nurtured the trail between Bethesda and Silver Spring making it the down-county linear park amenity it is today.   Over the years, we have mobilized thousands of people who have spoken with their participation and their financial support to allow everyone access to green space .

My personal involvement began in the early 80’s.  A water/sewer line was proposed along the Little Falls Creek in Westmoreland Park between Massachusetts Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard.  Rather than just remove the trees and destroy the woods, the community rallied.  With construction crews, we walked the park, identifying a logical route. A path was created.  The Trail was born.  Immediately, nearby residents, dogs, children and employees from the Army Map Service used the path. Phase one was amazing success.

 Abandoned B and O railroad tracks ran parallel to the path.  One hot day, County Executive Neal Potter, State DOT, legislators and residents walked the tracks.  Why not seize an opportunity to access unused parkland and create a continuous link from Georgetown to Silver Spring and beyond?   Call upon government, residents, business and the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail. The job is underway. Enter the GBCCC. Reclaim the Georgetown Branch right of way  for community use, its cinder trail meandering to Silver Spring through portions of Rock Creek Park.

Next a bridge over River Road, followed by a tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue and a trestle across Rock Creek Park east of Jones  Mill Road extending the Trail.   Finally, Trail users could safely ride and walk along a continuous path without dodging cars in four lanes of traffic – no longer a stress-filled experience.

Now it was possible to make a loop, visit the zoo, relax at the waterfront and visit the Mall or head out to Lake Needwood via the Audubon without using a car.  How fantastic!

Dedication, energy and cooperation have brought the Trail to thousands. Almost every day I walk from my home to Downtown Bethesda.  I see hikers and bikers, adults and kids, strollers and dogs who value the continuous parkland linking Virginia, DC and Maryland, blissfully riding and walking, many unaware that the Trail is threatened by the Purple Line.  One cannot question its value.  A proposed Purple Line would destroy its future.