Supporters and opponents of a proposed non-motorized trail way made their feelings clear about a 20-mile stretch of abandoned railway between Sturgis and well into Branch County.
The former Indiana Northeastern Railroad Co. route is being sought as a route for bicyclists, joggers and walkers. Residents who live adjacent to the rail bed, however, have cited lack of privacy and an increase in liter as detriments to the plan.
John McMann, a landscape architect for Kalamazoo-based Virdis Design Group, presented an overview of the plan during a master-plan meeting Tuesday at Sturgis Township Hall.
The next step will be for officials from Sturgis, Sherman, Fawn River and Burr Oak townships, and the city of Sturgis, to share plans with their constituents and document any public input.
Meanwhile, a meeting for adjacent property owners will take place at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the former Chicago Street Theater in Bronson.