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The SCT slopes downward to Van Cortlandt Park about 12 inches per mile so obtaining fast bike speeds would not be difficult. In hilly Central Park, bike speeds have been recorded as averaging 15-18 mph, with some going as fast as 25-32, depending on time of day. The NYSDOT manual says that asphalt allows vehicles to travel at speeds of 20 mph and higher. Again, the park's speed limit is 15 mph.

Speed is not only an issue. Asphalt will invite ATV and vehicle use in a wetlands/Forever Wild area, the kind of places that are shrinking, not increasing i acreage in the city. There is also th eissue of added heat and PAH toxins from asphalt that goes into the environment and into the water table.

The 400 tree number comes from parks itself. They reported 400 saplings will be planted, which means that based on the wood-for-wood formula, they're removing the equivalent of 400 trees. At the DEC hearing last year, they admitted they were removing 300 trees of 6 inches or less diameter. Another 8 to 20 trees with diameters larger than 6 inches was mentioned by DEC in their 8-28-2013 ENB. It's a far-cry from the Parks Departments report of only 5-7 trees would be removed. And again, a permeable trail does not need to be widened so much with drainage side paths. This means more trees, foliage, plants, weeds will be spared to serve as shade and habitat for wildlife and enjoyment by the public in a city that is 72% asphalt, with all the issues that causes in terms of heat and water runoff and flooding.

The Putnam Trail is different than other parks, because of where it is located, again one of the last remaining freshwater wetlands in the city, and in Forever Wild-designated preserves.

The issue is far more complicated than may appear. The community should want this done right, because it is important on many levels.