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Promised trails still missing from North Branch
(by Sue Reid - April 22, 2009)
Promised trails still missing from North Branch
By SUE REID
It was approximately three years ago that the Cleveland Metroparks presented the City of Solon with a layout for trails for the North Branch Preserve property.
They would have provided public access to the property, which was paid for through a state grant nearly eight years ago. But the plans have not yet moved forward, Solon Assistant Public Works Director David Hromco said last week. It's one aspect of the contracts signed by the city, parks and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy that remains unresolved.
The public land still has no sign to signify its existence nor does it have any paths to lead people through it.
"This is something we would like to have discussions with the Metroparks on in the near future," Mr. Hromco said. "The city will move forward with whatever is necessary to work with the Metroparks and Western Reserve Land Conservancy to get this pathway moving," he said.
"This has not been approved by all parties and is not in the implementation phase at this point," he said.
The city secured $1.2 million for 21.6 acres of the 57-acre North Branch Preserve in 2001. Most of that, $1.15 million, came from a state grant. The Cleveland Metroparks paid another $1 million for the remaining acreage and agreed to manage the entire property.
"Although there was some amount of controversy on the question of whether a hard-surface walkway would meet the environmental need to preserve the North Branch Preserve property, the installation of an ADA access to this area was an item that was agreed to as part of the preservation of the property," Mr. Hromco said, referring to the Americans With Disabilities Act.
He said acquisition of the property followed a tremendous amount of discussion over a period of a year and a half. Providing public access did come up as one of the points of discussion and negotiations, he said. "It was my understanding that it was the city's suggestion, but it was also the agreement of all parties to do this," he said.
"We certainly understand there are numerous walk pathways throughout that area, but we still have been given the direction of at least approaching them on this particular one," Mr. Hromco said.
Jane Christyson, Cleveland Metroparks director of marketing, said the park system is responsible for the protection of the property, and there were some rough sketches of trail projects. However, the plan for the foreseeable future is to leave the property in its natural state, she said.
"People are encouraged to continue to use the property as it is, but that's all the plans are for now," she said.
The Metroparks system is doing other work in the South Chagrin Reservation, which is adjacent to the North Branch Preserve, Ms. Christyson said, including putting a handicap-accessible trail down to Squaw Rock, as well as resurfacing all the parkways.
"There will be work there, just not on that particular piece of property," she said of North Branch.
Preserving the land in its natural setting was a big part of what the city was trying to accomplish with the original agreement, Mr. Hromco said. "I don't believe the area is underserved by walking trails at this point."
He said there are extensive trails through the Metroparks property itself, and the area is conducive to walking, jogging and bicycling. There also are bridle paths in the area, he said.
Solon Planning Director Robert S. Frankland said his personal opinion is that the land should be open for public access. "It's good for educational purposes" and quality-of-life benefits for the residents, he said.
Councilman John T. Scott said the city's participation in the property acquisition was based on preservation of land, and the Metroparks is the steward. A proposed housing development on the property had spurred the preservation efforts.
Mayor Kevin C. Patton said it was his understanding that the Metroparks was supposed to put in the access.
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