clerkmillhuff
Registered: Jan 17, 2006
Posts: 8
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Reply with quote | #1 |
One of Ada's best and fastest growing assets is our extensive non-motorized trail system. The first trail section running along the length of Ada Drive and connecting with the Cascade trail at the SW end of the Township, has seen great use. Throughout the year, even in winter, you can see people out enjoying the trail.
Many residents who live along the proposed Phase II trail route on Knapp, are concerned about which side of road the trail will ultimately be on. If the trail is going to be completed in 2008, this issue and any related issues involving engineering, easements, etc. needs to be resolved ASAP.
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When the game is over the pawn and the king go back into the same box. |
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westrajc
Contributor
Registered: July 12, 2005
Posts: 8
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Reply with quote | #2 |
Why This Qualifies as A "Hot Issue"
My Position
The safety of trail goers, especially children/young people, should be our primary concern. Secondary concerns that should also play a key part in our decision of where the trail should run, include making the trail route as usable and attractive as possible and of course, cost.
I am EXTREMELY concerned about placing the trail on the opposite side of a 55mph (65mph typical) road from Forest Hills Eastern. Especially since the school would likely be the destination for a significant number of young people using the trail. Creating "Safe Routes To School" should be a priority and goal for the entire community.
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John Westra, MCP,CCP
616-378-0808 |
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DougWhite
New Member
Registered: Feb 14, 2008
Posts: 1
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Reply with quote | #3 |
My concern is that the Trail Committee is trying to ramrod the location of the trail through the Township Trustees despite obvious resistance by those families and long time residents that will be affected. This was never more evident then the last Trail Committee meeting where the motion and vote to change the location of the trail was undertaken prior to ANY public comment from those in attendance. They made total mockery of the Ada motto "Offering Responsible and Responsive Leadership." |
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EricPiehl
New Member
Registered: Oct 01, 2006
Posts: 2
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Reply with quote | #4 |
I love this township's collection of safetypaths. Adds a lot to the quality of life in our township. I see lots of moms, old-timers, highschoolers, families, etc. I think NIMBYs quietly back down when they see how often they start to use it!
These 8-10' safetypaths are great in rural areas like ours. But am told that in town, with more frequent curbcuts, it is safer to ride on the street. Use paint or signs to alert motorists to bikes?
Speaking of non-safetypaths, <www.ada.mi.us/non-vehicletrail.pdf> shows green "existing trails" on Clements Mill Dr., Bronson St. and Thornapple River Dr. I have ridden all of these stretches in the last year (from a few to 150 times), and they are fine places to bicycle, but I would not call them a "trail". A sidewalk is not a bikepath. If someone thinks we put down asphalt, paint or signs, could you point me to them?
My wife and I also love Scarborough/Rix as a great back-door route to Ada Village. Lots of out-of-town friends and relatives use it with us to walk to dinner in town, or our large loop bicycle picnics.
I would like all new and rebuild highway bridges to include a 12' bikepath on at least one side.
I would like to minimize moving of trails back and forth across the street.
I would like our township's paths to hook up transparently with other township's and regional/interstate paths.
Thanks, Eric.
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--Eric Piehl |
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Gorm50
New Member
Registered: May 11, 2008
Posts: 3
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Reply with quote | #5 |
Touring Grand River Dr I see the first leg of the bike trail remains incomplete.
Would appreciate the Township posting an update (separate page on site) as to their /contractor projections for 2008, ie delay on 2007 leg's impact on remainder of trail.
Is each construction leg bid independently of the total? Would expect if the whole project was bid, it was necessary to know on which side of the road the trail would be cut.
If unable to complete the 2007 leg on schedule, can the Township post for bids from additional contractors for the 2008 leg, etc to meet proposed completion projection?
If still unresolved on which side of the roadways the 2008 leg is to be constructed who is managing this project? What is the determination process? Timeline? What are the driving determinants if most construction occurs within the right of way?
Thank you.
Dave
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jimferro
New Member
Registered: Jan 16, 2006
Posts: 4
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Reply with quote | #6 |
Each year's projects are being bid separately, with separate sets of construction plans for each year's work. The detailed design process for each segment involves evaluating the pros and cons of alternative locations (which side of the road) for the trail.
In 2007, there were two contracts - one for the east-west portion of Grand River Dr., and one for the north-south portion.
The fact that the 2007 projects had to be carried over to this year to be completed does not affect the rest of the schedule.
The north-south portion of Grand River Dr. was completed within the last week.
We have had problems getting the contractor for the east-west portion to get an early start this year. I have heard that the contractor has been working on two other jobs in other communities in the area this spring. They do not appear to have the capacity to be on our job site as well.
There has been activity this week, however, so hopefully the east-west portion will be completed very soon.
The 2008 project, on Knapp St. and Honey Creek Ave., from Knapp to Seidman Park, is out for bids currently, with bids scheduled to be opened in early June, and work starting within 2 weeks thereafter. This is a much earlier start than we had for the 2007 projects, which should allow the project to be completed by the end of the summer.
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Gorm50
New Member
Registered: May 11, 2008
Posts: 3
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Reply with quote | #7 |
Touring the planned route from M-21 to McCabe I recommend the following flow:
* North side of bridge along M-21 to Pettis
* West side of Pettis to Vergennes
* North side of Vergennes to Bailey
* North side of Bailey to McCabe
Reasoning:
1) This is the safest route as street crossings are minimized and all crossings could be safely conducted at a traffic signal.
2) The North side of Bailey is additionally preferred because:
a) More homes, developments (Baileau Oaks, Glen Nevis, Bailey Knol, etc) exist off the North side vs South, ie 65 to 27 residences (From Vergennes to McCabe). This reduces the number of potential street crossings, ie an increased safety factor. Bailey does not have the best reputation for accidents given its hilly, bending, treed terrain. Minimizing crossings by serving the greatest number of residents could reduce risk incidence.
b) Opening the shoulder (reducing trees and brush) along the North side of Bailey would dramatically improve visibility for egress for all developments, easement roads North off Bailey.
c) I live on the North side of Bailey and would prefer it situated there. (You just knew I was working toward that reason!)
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Gorm50
New Member
Registered: May 11, 2008
Posts: 3
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Reply with quote | #8 |
Having lived on Bailey Drive for over 2 decades I cannot begin to detail a single benefit / restriction to a Natural Beauty Road designation.
I do realize a respectfully designed and carved trail will enable me and neighbors to avail ourselves of this natural beauty year round. Bailey isn't a roadway that is walked much in winter and leisurely biked most anytime as the terrain, winding turns and traffic pose risks for pedestrians and bikers.
What good is a treasure if one can't enjoy it? This trail, as designed, isn't going to destroy the beauty - but merely enable access to leisurely enjoy it across all seasons.
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Grateful_in_Ada
New Member
Registered: March 09, 2009
Posts: 1
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| March 10, 2009 at 07:28 AM |
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Reply with quote | #9 |
As a resident of Greentree Farms, I have been eagerly anticipating our neighborhood's connection with the township's trail system. As one of the hundreds of township voters (and millage payers) it is alarming to see an article in the Advance last week highlighting a very few residents (who happen to live along the planned route) who are trying to delay or stop this wonderful & voter approved plan. The Conservation & Bailey leg of the trail (Phase III) will be some of the most beautiful parts of the trail system and it will also connect the Conservation entrance & parking at Siedman Park. Each morning & evening I encounter joggers & bikers on Conservation - whose safety will be enhanced by the non-motorized trail. Can the township or any other posters share an update on plans & timing for Phase III? As a strong proponent for realizing the entire Non-Motorized Trail system the voters approved, I'd like to know how else we can support this great project. |
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