Last Friday The Rock Kitchen and Bar received an anonymous voicemail warning of a boycott of this deeply rooted locally-owned business if participants of the Peanut Roll XIII group bike ride were allowed to gather there on July 31. (A small group of Amherst residents have for 20 years opposed improvement of the final section of the Peanut Line into a multi-use trail.)
Austin Scaccia II, managing partner of The Rock, responded to the threat saying, “We WILL continue to support the Amherst/Clarence community and we DO support the completion of the path. Many guests currently ride the Clarence paved path and start/end their runs & rides here at the Rock…I am fully behind paving it and making it safe for walkers, bikers, and runners…improving the community for generations to come.“
Benefits of Improving The Peanut Line
Improving the final five-mile section of railbed owned by the Town of Amherst will safely connect miles of paved trailways through Clarence, Akron, Newstead and points east to trails in the Tonawandas, Niagara Falls and Buffalo to the west.
Numerous studies cited by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, Parks & Trails New York, New York Parks & Conservation Association and others show:
- increases in property value along improved trails (up to 32% higher than similar properties away from trails)
- increased patronage by residents and tourists of restaurants and other businesses located near trailways
- increased likelihood of exercise, improving mental and physical health
- inclusive, safe and environmentally friendly commuting to schools, recreational events, work and places of worship
Widespread Support
In a 2018 survey, 80% of Amherst residents listed greater access to green-space as a top priority. The Peanut Line multi-use trail project has been written into the town’s current Capital Improvement Program. It has been ranked among the top 15 regional connectivity priorities by the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council, and GObike Buffalo has been chosen by the GBNRTC to shepherd the project.
Project advocacy has attracted international attention. A change.org petition supporting completion has received nearly 1500 signatures — over 800 residing in WNY, including 400 Amherst residents.
We are grateful for The Rock’s continuing support of our Peanut Roll advocacy and awareness group rides along the trail, now in their fifth year. We look forward to the day when we will be able to bike or walk over for a meal and a beverage along a smooth, safe and accessible Peanut Line trail.