I would like to recognize the hundreds of people who attended last week’s meeting with the Federal Rail Administration in Old Lyme. It was gratifying to see so many people united against the damaging bypass proposal and the clear overstep of government bureaucratic power. 

I also want to commend The Day for its outstanding coverage and its support. Due to this coverage and the hard work of grassroots activists, this fight has expanded to other towns, including New London and Stonington. I’d like to thank the elected officials from those towns, and the many others who participated, for coming to Old Lyme and providing their important perspective. 

As I stated during my comments, this proposal is a "dark cloud" hanging over the region and the only way we can see sunshine again is if the FRA removes the bypass. The uncertainty this proposal is causing residents in Old Lyme is unconscionable and recent revelations have only enhanced that distrust and concern. 

It’s time for the FRA to do the right thing and go in a different direction. No one disagrees that we need to improve our transportation infrastructure, but this bypass would do irreparable damage to the region with no benefit to the people living here. It is simply not worth destroying homes, businesses, history, culture, and our environment for a few minutes saved from New York to Boston. 

Devin Carney

Old Lyme

The writer is the state representative from the 23rd House District.