Major Trail Plan News
Of all the topics I have covered since I began writing this blog none has caused as much confusion and unnecessary controversy as the developing study being done in Allentown for the possible implementation of a new trail network throughout the city connecting our parks and other varied landmarks.
I attended the first public input session over the summer and was very pleased and excited about what I saw presented. Well, I am pleased to report today that the results of the that meeting combined with the completion of the study itself has resulted in some big news concerning the project.
First, another public meeting has been scheduled.
The meeting will take place on January 13th from 7-8:30 PM in the multi-purpose room of the Allentown Public Library. Please attend the meeting if you any questions or concerns about the project or if you just want to show support.
Second, a draft plan has been published.
The upcoming meeting will focus on said plan. I found out about the public meeting this afternoon, but I just received the draft plan at 2AM thanks to commentator Dan. In my initial read-through, I am very impressed with the amount of detail the creators of this project provide. The draft plan is very similar to plan discussed at the first public meeting and considering how far we are from seeing any of this becoming actuality, I am very pleased with what I have read thus far. Again, it is all still preliminary, most of the information in the draft plan is just that, information. I am very much looking forward to the meeting in January to see what the next steps will entail. The city is still looking for funding for the project, more public input is still needed, etc...
Mark your calendars for January 13th and check back tomorrow for a full review of the draft plan and any other updates.
All the current information regarding this project as well as the draft plan are available to check out here:
Greenways:Allentown
I attended the first public input session over the summer and was very pleased and excited about what I saw presented. Well, I am pleased to report today that the results of the that meeting combined with the completion of the study itself has resulted in some big news concerning the project.
First, another public meeting has been scheduled.
The meeting will take place on January 13th from 7-8:30 PM in the multi-purpose room of the Allentown Public Library. Please attend the meeting if you any questions or concerns about the project or if you just want to show support.
Second, a draft plan has been published.
The upcoming meeting will focus on said plan. I found out about the public meeting this afternoon, but I just received the draft plan at 2AM thanks to commentator Dan. In my initial read-through, I am very impressed with the amount of detail the creators of this project provide. The draft plan is very similar to plan discussed at the first public meeting and considering how far we are from seeing any of this becoming actuality, I am very pleased with what I have read thus far. Again, it is all still preliminary, most of the information in the draft plan is just that, information. I am very much looking forward to the meeting in January to see what the next steps will entail. The city is still looking for funding for the project, more public input is still needed, etc...
Mark your calendars for January 13th and check back tomorrow for a full review of the draft plan and any other updates.
All the current information regarding this project as well as the draft plan are available to check out here:
Greenways:Allentown
Labels: Trail Study
posted by Andrew Kleiner at
1:42 AM
8 Comments:
Thanks for this update....
andrew, as i read the link you provided, it indicates that jan. 13th is the END of the public input, in other words, another done deal, as was cedar parkway. you have previously asserted on this blog that the process was more in the beginning stages. as one who identified numerous problems in our parks, (jordan, canal, trout) it's disappointing that you don't see this as a distraction, especially financially, from providing solutions to the real problems. the contention, especially about surveys, that over 500 people favor this proposal is a blatant sham. apparently we will built more blacktop paths connecting neglected parks. this will have NO economic spinoff for allentown, and is strictly a recreational plan, at the expense of environmental concerns.
Hey Micheal, its been a bit.
I am withholding all of my opinion about this trail plan draft until the meeting. At that meeting I expect to hear that before any of this study is implemented, and it should take years before it is, that the issues I am always writing about will have been addressed.
If that is not the case, and these are all black top trails through the parks, I will have issues.
For now, I'm waiting to hear what is said at the meeting and since it is only a draft, I believe public input does matter at this stage.
See you there.
andrew, i see a pattern between this plan and cedar parkway. already the literature indicates that this plan received widespread input and public approval (sound familiar). how much have we already invested with the four different consulting firms listed in the newsletter? (included with current water bills). i have used my previous comment to you as an addendum on my blog. frankly, i'm taking advantage of your interest and reputation in environmental science (vs. recreation) to help assure this plan isn't implemented this spring, ahead of the real problems facing our parks.
I have endorsed this plan as possibility, and I am not 100% behind it as I have yet to see what it will really look like if ever implemented. I have many questions I need answered. Expect a full reaction on Remember after the meeting.
If it is environmentally negative, or done before needed repair work, I will not support it. I do not believe that is going to be the case. We'll see on the 13th.
(I am commenting here and on your blog for clarification.)
I do not see anywhere near enough attention or resources directed to the Lehigh Canal tow path here. How can the administration start new projects while the city lets the tow path go to hell? I think all public comment is good, but that survey? Can anyone really take that "survey" with a straight face? Come on now, talked about stacked! It makes one question the whole input process.
Does the Trails Plan support more paved trails in the parks? Let's hope not. Anyone know?
I don't think they are going to be building completely new trails in the parks at all. The trails were supposed to be in places to connect existing trails, or where there are currently none. I do not want more paved trails. I'm looking forward to the meeting in two weeks to see what the deal is.
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