I’m a
 resident of Jackson Oaks, along with my wife and two boys, ages
3 and 5. The planned Jackson Oaks trail comes within a few feet of
my property.
Dear Editor,
I’m a resident of Jackson Oaks, along with my wife and two boys, ages 3 and 5. The planned Jackson Oaks trail comes within a few feet of my property.
Ever since I moved to the Jackson Oaks neighborhood seven years ago, I’ve wanted to walk through the beautiful open space that winds its way among our homes. However, the wild conditions prevent safe passage through the area. Furthermore, walking our neighborhood’s streets is at times a harrowing experience, because we have no sidewalks.
A well-managed set of trails would not only increase safety, but would also bring a kind of magic to our neighborhood. And the Jackson Oaks residents would benefit the most.
There may in fact be many others in my neighborhood who want the trails as well. However, I believe they are not speaking up, because they are afraid of what their neighbors will think. I believe that Jackson Oaks residents who speak in favor of the trails might be viewed by the extremely vocal trail opponents as not caring about the safety of the neighborhood.
I am acutely aware of the risk of fire in our open space. There always has been. But let’s let the city planners address this risk. We haven’t given them the opportunity to go that far. I believe there is such a thing as a safe trail, even in Jackson Oaks. I am reaching out to my neighbors, and asking for a compromise. I believe that instead of allowing fear to suffocate any attempt to improve our neighborhood, we should work with the city to find a way to make these trails happen, in a manner that satisfies nearly everyone.
Unfortunately, I’m becoming more and more certain that if the city caves to the fears of many of my good neighbors, there won’t be another chance to bring much needed trails to the beautiful Jackson Oaks neighborhood.
Tom Nowitzky, Morgan Hill
