The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Council weighs trail phase 2
French Creek Greenway project phase would cost $600K for 2K feet more
Avon City Council will consider applying for grant funding for phase two of the French Creek Greenway as debate on the project continues.
The second phase of the project will add an additional 2,000 feet with an estimated price tag of $600,000. It will add a connector trail off French Creek Road, stretching to Little
League Park on Harvest Drive and also connecting with the Avon branch library at the intersection of Colorado Avenue and Harvest Drive.
City Engineer Ryan Cummins said phase two would stay consistent with French Creek with a 10 foot wide asphalt trail down Harvest Drive.
The connector trail includes $195,000 budgeted for the construction of an 80 foot bridge over the French Creek and $106,480 in engineering design, surveying and construction administration costs.
In late 2020 council approved the engineering plans for phase one of the French Creek Greenway.
The phase one, $1.1 million project to construct a 10-foot wide asphalt trail on French Creek Road between Detroit Road and the Sheffield Village line.
In April 2020, NOACA approved the city’s application for $250,000 in funding toward the project as part of their Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative.
The initial phase of the project encountered some debate with concerns about the city’s $850,000 share, the overall plan for multi-modal connectivity, and concerns from French Creek Road residents about maintenance and liability of the trail.
In reviewing the plan Cummins said further study concluded that the trail would work best on the north side of French Creek Road due to a lack of right a way and several open ditches on the south side.
The city and Lorain County Metro Parks are still in the process of acquiring more property for phase one, which is requiring more discussions with NOACA.
Additional funding sources through a Congressional earmark and programs through the state of Ohio may be available as the project becomes more focused.
“They like to see these kind of communities and organizations working together,” Cummins said.
Ward 2 Councilman Dennis McBride spoke in strong support of the trail and said the project would add one more attraction to Avon, improving its livability and adding reasons for people to move to the city.
“I’m all for proceeding, and proceeding forward in applying for another grant,” McBride noted.
However, area residents reiterated concerns about the trail construction citing concerns about safety and setting a bad precedent moving forward.
French Creek Road resident Craig Young said while he supports bike trails and the work of Avon City Council, he questioned the appropriateness of the location and said the concept was nearly unanimously opposed by residents.
“I think the bigger question is appropriateness. None of us think that a 10 foot wide bike trail is appropriate,” Young said.
Council may vote on both ordinances on Oct. 12 in moving forward on the project.