Update on Jamison Connector

[Michael Merritt]

In the past 2 days I have met with Sandy Murphy (Mayor's office) and had telephone discussions with Sandra Whitmore (Parks) and Al Cox (Planning).  I think my lengthy conversation with Al Cox last night provides me with enough information to update the committee as follows:

 - The city did stop work on the trail and is in the "damage control" process now to make the decision a reasonable one.  

-   The city has decided to get money (~$20,000 ?) from the developer in lieu of having the trail developed now.  This makes sense only if the Hooff's Run bridge work begins soon.  I was assured by Cox that work would begin within 2 weeks.

 - I was also assured by Cox that the temporary trail would be established immediately after the bridge was complete (projected to be Sept.) or possibly sooner.  Cox claims that the bike committee agreed that a gravel surface is acceptable and I don't know if this  is correct.  Based on the fact that the temporary trail will be utilized for at least one year and possibly much longer, I think we should insist on asphalt since the only justification for the gravel is cost and the $20k is intended for this project.  Depending on the gravel, bike tires on gravel don't normally work well.  I also don't have confidence that if money is saved on this trail that the saving will be applied to a more deserving project.

 - I was also told by Cox that he will protect the temporary trail from closure by other projects (like the Marriott) by making retention of the corridor a condition for future building permits.

 - The establishment of the permanent trail now seems to be coupled with the PTO project.  Whenever PTO constructs the road, the trail will also be done hopefully in a timely manner.

I understand that Cox is documenting the above approach to the Mayor's office this week.  I will try to get a copy of the memo.

At this point there seems to be enough initiative by the city to believe that they consider the trail to be a priority.  I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and 2 weeks to prove they are serious about getting the situation on a path to resolution.

I will keep you posted.

Mike