Mill Creek bike trail met with some opposition
At an open house Thursday, the public was invited to voice their opinion of the proposed bike trail that will stretch 6.4 miles from Western Reserve Road to Washingtonville, near State Route 14.
1/2
CANFIELD, Ohio - Mill Creek park bike enthusiasts will be happy to hear plans to connect the northern part of the metro parks bikeway to the southern portion are moving forward. But, not every one is on board with the project.
At an open house Thursday, the public was invited to voice their opinion of the proposed bike trail that will stretch 6.4 miles from Western Reserve Road to Washingtonville, near State Route 14.
Two residents who live along the proposed route didn't want to share their names but, did talk with 21 News on camera. The two expressed concerns and frustration as they explained they enjoy the peace and quiet of the country.
"Some people worked their tail ends off to have it like this, not to have some bunch of people wanting to ride a damn bike to c'mon down through here to invade peoples privacy," said one man.
"Also we're kind of concerned about litter," said one woman.
The park already owns 1.8 miles of the proposed pathway but, still needs to acquire the rest. If an agreement with property owners can't be reached...
"Well, we have a couple choices," said Park Director of Planning and Operations Stephen Avery. "We could construct the bike way on what we have and wait for whenever. Mill Creek Parks does have eminent domain authority as a public agency, so the Mill Creek Metro Parks Board of Commissioners could determine to exercise eminent domain to go after that property."
Other concerns expressed by the public include the cost. Park officials say federal grants cover 80% of the project. Park dollars will be used for the rest.
"They terminated 13 of our loyal dedicated park employees, I think they should be rehired before we start spending money," said Judy Peyko of Concerned Citizens of Mill Creek Metroparks.
Others said they fear that once the park acquires the land they could lease the property for oil and gas lines.
"My main concern is because, this area just loves drill development , I do not want to be biking alongside a pipeline that's carrying ethane, methane or any kind of gas that has a potential to explode," said Kathleen Berry.
Construction for the trail isn't expected to begin until 2018.
