Final phase of city’s trail project proceeding

Preparation is underway for phase 2 of the Maple Highlands Trail connector through Chardon.

A message posted on the city’s website Oct. 31 alerted residents that Environmental Design Group consultants will be frequenting properties along the path — Water Street to Route 44 — in the coming months.

Three agencies will be conducting surveying, ecological and environmental assessments, geotechnical work and other research. Personnel will not need access to any structures on the properties, but field stakes or other markers may be required. Staff will carry identification as well as a copy of the letter.

Prep work could continue for several months.

The city’s capital improvements plan calls for design in 2018 and construction in 2019.

The city was awarded an Ohio Department of Transportation grant of $435,991 toward design, engineering and some construction of phase 2. It also received $1 million via the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency for construction. Total cost estimate is $1.83 million. Of that, the city’s portion is about $396,000.

The city will have to spend additional funds for property acquisition. Eight properties are affected by t he second phase, three of which are owned by the city.

“The city does need to acquire easements from several property owners along the proposed route,” Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Yaney said .“We are working with the property owners to obtain those easements, and there are no current issues or concerns with obtaining the necessary easements at

this time.”

Phase 1 — from 5th Avenue to Water — was delayed by a dispute between city and Geauga County officials, who had authority over property that provided a crucial link in the project. That stretch was completed in 2015.

For phase 2, a trailhead is proposed on city-owned property just north of Park Avenue. A public restroom, drinking fountain and parking is part of the conceptual design. Decorative trail crossings are planned at Park and Route 44. A high-intensity-activated crosswalk beacon is being considered at the south end.

The trail’s completion was identified as a prior-

ity in the 2009 Chardon Bikeway & Pedestr ian Trail TLCI Plan.

The Maple Highlands Trail is a 12.4 -mile-long park that uses sections of the abandoned Baltimore & Ohio Railroad corridor. When Geauga Park Distr ict ’s Maple Highlands South section is constructed, the entire route will extend a total of 21 continuous miles, allowing users to travel from Colburn Road at the Lake/Geauga border to Reeves Road in Parkman Township.

Last year, Chardon was given a Northeast Ohio Area wide Coordinating Agency Technical Assistance Grant to develop a plan to prioritize sidewalk and trail projects in

the city. This plan, coupled with the trail project, will provide not only enhanced recreational opportunities, but also alternative modes of transportation, an increase in public open space and will attract newcomers to the community, City Manager Randy Sharpe said.

“The overall economic v it a lit y of the cit y is served by bringing people to town and giving them access to Chardon,” he said. “This is anticipated to be accomplished by providing wayfinding signs from the trail to connect to nearby retail stores, fast food restaurants and

the post office. Additionally, signage will lead to the many amenities of Chardon Square …

“More importantly, a pedestrian- and bicyclefriendly community prov ides people -to -people connections, which fosters a sense of pride, belonging and socialization.”