Concerning the proposed commuter rail line, I would like to ask U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney one simple question: Why?

The towns and cities that it cuts through are not walkable. Why would someone get on a train and get off where they either have someone pick them up or call a cab, which presupposes that there is cab service? The answer is they would not.

The proposed pathway looks like a roller-coaster. A rail bridge diagonally across the Connecticut River from the air will look like some giant Zorro has left his mark on the mouth of the Connecticut River ruining a pristine recreational area.

Inland the path somehow jumps I-95 at approximately the Lyme Art Academy. The structure to carry a train over the highway will be enormous and be over 60-feet tall. Unlike roller-coasters, real trains do not deal with sharp inclines. The ramp would have to start at the river bank and be in the range of 120 feet wide. Just the first mile and a half of this project lays waste to Courtney's 2nd District.

If he truly cares about the people of the district, Courtney must please stop this monstrosity. I feel like I am standing at the edge of the rabbit hole waiting for a well-dressed bunny to pass by.

David Lahm

Lyme