These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes contact either the Town Clerk's office or the First Selectman's office.

Town of Simsbury

Special Meeting

June 19, 2000

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anita Mielert, Deputy First Selectman Joel Mandell, John Romano and Madeleine Gilkey. Also present were: Paul Fetherston, Assistant to the First Selectman, Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer, Tom Maziarz, CRCOG, Robert Rakowski and Bill Grant, CT DOT, and other interested parties.

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING - PROJECT NO. 128-128 - PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR THE FARMINGTON VALLEY GREENWAY - SEGMENT S1-5, DRAKE HILL ROAD TO CANAL STREET

Ms. Mielert read the legal notice published in The Hartford Courant. She discussed the history of the Greenway and the issue of locating on Ensign Bickford property. She noted that in September, 1998 the BOS voted unanimously to request a change in the scope of the project for a more direct route. Ms. Mielert explained that the change in scope request was sent to the DOT and they are now in the preliminary design stage.

Mr. Sawitzke reviewed the original plan, the new plan, and the alternate plan. He explained that the proposed route, utilizing Ensign Bickford property, is 1.8 miles and the alternate route is 3.6 miles. Mr. Sawitzke stated that the Town retained Johnson Landscape Design to address the Greenway through the Hazelmeadow development due to concerns which were previously stated. He pointed out that this area of the Greenway will be slightly lower than the rest of the trail, will have a berm, and will have fencing on either side of the trail. Mr. Sawitzke addressed the precautions taken where the Greenway will cross Mather's Crossing. He stated that the cost for the Ensign Bickford route is estimated at $715,000 and the alternate route is estimated at $690,000, but this does not include the easement costs which would be involved with the alternate route.

Mr. Maziarz discussed the regional aspect of the trail system. He stated that CRCOG is concerned with the segment of the Greenway in Suffield, East Granby, Simsbury, Avon and Farmington. He noted that there has been a cooperative approach to the bike trail and the communities have worked closely together on this project.

Ms. Mielert reviewed statistics regarding public safety along the Simsbury section of the Greenway. She stated that between 1997 and 1999 there were 16 total incidents in Simsbury, for which the police were called, and a total of 44 incidents in the Farmington Valley. Ms. Mielert addressed property values of homes abutting the Greenway and stated that in Simsbury the median assessment ratio of these homes is greater than the average. She stated that nationwide there has been a 3% decrease in home prices, but a 25% increase in home prices for homes just off of the trail.

Lee Wilder, Hazelmeadow, stated that she does the resale packages for Hazelmeadow and she will submit her statistics. She stated that residents are not receiving accurate information regarding the change in the scope of the project. Ms. Wilder questioned discrepancies which were stated during the September 1998 BOS meeting and requested responses. She noted the steep hill and curve in front of Ensign Bickford, on Route 10. She stated that she has statistics on public safety with regard to Greenways. Ms. Wilder requested that the BOS re-examine their proposal in a more reliable way.

Ferg Jansen, 12 Echo Lane, stated that the shortest path is the safest route and they are faced with a transportation issue of providing a way to get to the center of town. He suggested that if the Town doesn't follow logic they could be making a big mistake.

Ellen Mandelberg, 10 Neal Drive, stated that she supports the proposed Greenway route. She suggested that residents of Hazelmeadow need to be reassured so they can feel comfortable with the project. She noted that Hazelmeadow residents would not be liable and would not need to increase their insurance costs.

Jerry Ledger, 89 Bushy Hill Road, East Granby, stated that the proposed route makes sense. He noted the steeper grades in the alternate route and suggested that the shorter route through Hazelmeadow is an excellent option.

Jim Sage, Farmington Valley Trails Council President, read a letter from the Council's Board of Directors endorsing the proposal as a safe and logical choice. The letter noted the reasons why the alternate route is a poor choice.

Steve Selger, 495 Hopmeadow Street, stated that he supports the shorter route. He noted how difficult it is to cross West Street and the importance of safety.

Steve Mitchell, 432 Hopmeadow Street, stated that he advocates a shorter route. He noted the danger of being on a road with bikes and cars and suggested that if the Greenway doesn't follow the rail bed cyclists will travel on Rt. 10. He stated that Mitchell Auto Group will provide a bike rest stop with air and water and they support the future of Simsbury.

Fred Moote, 7 Colonial Drive, stated that he enjoys the trail and there are pleasant people on the trail. He suggested that if the Town goes forward with the alternate trail it will not be used and the sidewalks on Hopmeadow Street will be used instead. Mr. Moote stated that criminals, vandals and delinquents don't travel by bike and rollerblades and the concept of the Greenway is to make use of the rail bed right of way. He noted that every road crossing is a hazard.

Alan Ryan, 9 Valley View Drive, Suffield, stated that he supports the shorter route. He stated that a group of retirees bikes Friday afternoons and crossing Hopmeadow Street at Drake Hill Road is dangerous.

David Lally, 3 Mather's Crossing, read sections of the letter he sent to the DOT in 1998. He expressed his view that the BOS is not addressing the loss in property value to the homes in Hazelmeadow. He noted that Hazelmeadow has private roads which the residents maintain and they cannot protect the private aspect of their community with a bike path exposing their community on both sides.

Bill Bitterly, 33 Banks Road, expressed his concern regarding safety and stated that he supports the proposed route. He suggested that it would be on the opposition's head if someone were injured on Rt. 10. He stated that as kids get older they want to explore and the only way to bike out of Hazelmeadow is to go onto Rt. 10.

Bill Fuge, 510 Marek Lane, questioned which alternative has the least risk. He suggested that the bikepath is perceived as safer than neighborhoods because so many choose to use the bikepath. Mr. Fuge stated that there are 2 risk areas along the proposed route: (1) the proximity of the public to an explosives factory, and (2) traveling close to Rt. 10 which is a major thoroughfare.

Carol Kruse, 41 Drumlin Road, stated that she is a previous Hazelmeadow homeowner and she knew the railway right-of-way existed when she purchased her home. She noted that the alternate route includes purchasing land from property owners and would include unsafe road crossings. She stated that use of the Greenway is a positive aspect of the proposed route.

Art Reese, 78 Simsbury Manor Drive, stated that his backyard is along the bikepath and he has never had a problem with anyone on the bikepath. He stated that the bikepath through Hazelmeadow is the only way to go.

Richard Smith, 13 Nutmeg Court, stated that his home in Hazelmeadow backs up to Rt. 10. He stated that the proposed route, which includes the berms, landscaping, fencing and a street crossing is no different than other areas on the path and there is no reason why the bikepath shouldn't go through Hazelmeadow.

Tom Horan, 1083 Hopmeadow Street, read a letter from the Simsbury Main Street Partnership in support of the proposed route. The letter noted that in order to maintain the vitality of the historic center they need to provide convenient access and make town center a destination. He stated that their 200 member organization supports the plan along the railroad right-of-way.

Kathy Godiksen 7 Nutmeg Court, questioned why the alternate route was not included in the letters sent to the Hazelmeadow residents by the Town and the DOT. She questioned whether an easement has been secured from Ensign Bickford. Ms. Godiksen suggested that if a new high school is built near the intersection of Stratton Brook Road and Bushy Hill Road it would make sense to provide trail access in this area. She questioned why the alternate route would turnoff of Stratton Brook into Powder Forest. Ms. Godiksen stated that the BOS has yet to resolve the issues which effect the Hazelmeadow community with regard to safety, parking and liability. She noted that the Town has yet to agree to expanding their liability coverage. She stated that Ms. Glassman never responded to her letter of March, 1998.

Marsha Watson, 5 Ox Yoke Drive, stated that she is a Simsbury Inn employee and the Inn has 60,000 guests per year. She stated that the current access from the Inn to the Greenway is dangerous and the alternate route does not address the access issue for the Inn. Ms. Watson stated that as a resident she supports the proposed route.

Steve Noble, 15 Fairchild Road, Farmington Valley Trails Council member, read the petition which was setup along the trail over 2 weekends. He noted that 730 people signed their name in support of the proposed route.

Len Kendall, 18 Hazelmeadow Place, stated that his concern is safety. He noted that the proposed route would go past the Ensign Bickford explosives manufacturing company and past the truck entrance. Mr. Kendall urged the BOS to consider the alternate route. He expressed his concern with trespassers, noting that a resident at 495 Hopmeadow Street admitted that the proposed route would provide easy access to the path for him.

Walt Bozenburg, 5 Woodcliff Drive, stated that the Greenway was a positive aspect as to why he purchased a home in Simsbury. He stated that he hopes the trail takes the most obvious route from Point A to Point B.

Nat Kennedy, 18 Longview Drive, stated that he favors using the existing right-of way. He noted that he supports providing both alternatives. He stated that a portion of the surface of the trail does not consider in-line skaters.

David Losee, Halloran & Sage, Attorney representing Ned Kendall, Kathy Godiksen and Lee Wilder. He stated that national crime is a problem along trails. He submitted a survey and specifically discussed the Minuteman Trail in Massachusetts. Mr. Losee stated that Mr. Bidwell, at Agway, has stated that pilferage has increased with the bikeway. He noted that this use is prohibited by Zoning and is only allowed due to the State's ownership of the property. He pointed out that NEPA doesn't apply because Rails to Trails is exempt, but this proposal would put a burden on a particular segment of society and becomes an exemption to the exemption.

Wallace Talcott, West Simsbury, stated that he uses the bikepath in Weatogue and the residents are pleased with the added fences in that area.

Adolph Fusco, 8 South Ridge Court, stated that he supports the proposed route. He stated that he has had favorable experiences with the trail, has moved closer to the trail, and their have been no neighborhood problems. Mr. Fusco questioned why residents would prefer a State owned area of weeds to a park like setting. He suggested that the Greenway is possibly the most used park in town and the right-of-way is the safer route.

Martha Hartranft, 36 Musket Trail, stated that she supports the proposed trail due to safety and maintaining the character of the Greenway.

Gene Woodbury, 22 Mountain Road, thanked the Town for creating and maintaining the bikepath. He stated that the bikepath is practically in his backyard and he endorses initiating the proposed portion of the trail.

Carl Eisenmann urged the BOS to approve the shorter route. He suggested that regardless of which route is chosen, the sidewalks next to Ensign Bickford will be used. Mr. Eisenmann stated that, based on State Statute, Hazelmeadow residents do not need to worry about the issue of liability. He noted some of the successful trails in Massachusetts and suggested that experience must be based on the existing Farmington Valley Trail.

Neal Connicky, 3 Oakwood Road, stated that the Farmington Valley Canal Trail allows riding without hills. He noted the danger on Rt. 10 and stated that the trail has been multi-generational for his family. He pointed out that the trail in Lexington, MA is very crowded. Mr. Connicky stated that if the trail goes up Stratton Brook road he won't be able to use it. He stated that he favors the proposed route.

Jeff Spiro, 14 Lincoln Lane, stated that he is a frequent user of the trail. He stated that the jog in Avon is unfortunate and road crossings create a safety issue. He suggested that the Town not repeat the existing Rt. 10 crossing and follow the direct route as proposed.

Debra Spillane, 9 Mather's Crossing, stated that locating the trail in the center of a private association opens up their driveways to the general public. She stated that you cannot govern or control the general public on the trail. Ms. Spillane read a letter she sent to the DOT. She noted that she has glass doors which will be 20 feet from the trail. Ms. Spillane stated that fencing is not the solution. Privacy, noise, litter, and property values are still the issues. She stated that loss of privacy is not worth not accommodating residents.

Joan Byron, 12 Mather's Crossing, questioned whether environmental studies have been done in this area. She noted that the DEP found endangered species of fish and she questioned how they would be protected. Ms. Byron discussed the cost of liability and stated that people have come into their neighborhood and some have been nasty.

Timothy Boyce, 18 Case Circle, noted that all age groups use the trail. He stated that road crossings and the pitch of the surface are the issues. He questioned why the BOS would adopt a longer trail with increased road crossings and a steeper pitch to accommodate unfounded concerns of certain residents.

Ed Cox, 22 Woodhaven Drive, suggested that if the trail doesn't follow a straight line it will start at Iron Horse Boulevard and go north and start at Sand Hill Road and go south. He stated that he has been involved with cleanup along the trail for 2 years and has never found drug paraphernalia or liquor bottles.

William J. Phelps, 4 Harmon Drive, Suffield, stated that he researched his genealogy by riding the trail. He noted the difficulty crossing Route 10 and stated that he favors the shorter Ensign Bickford route.

Susie Sykes, 438 Hopmeadow Street, stated that she favors the shorter route and can't wait to walk to town center.

Rose Mary Fusco, 78 South Ridge Court, stated that she supports the shorter route. She noted the amount of traffic and speed of the traffic on Bushy Hill Road.

Bill Davies, Secretary Farmington Valley Trail Council, Hamden, commended Simsbury for advocating completion of the trail.

Al Kodet, 24 Wiggins Farm Drive, suggested that with the alternate trail users will continue to go through Hazelmeadow or up Rt. 10. He noted the danger of street crossings and stated that he would not allow his kids to ride on Bushy Hill Road with crossings. Mr. Kodet stated that hills are not favorable for encouraging people to use the trail. He pointed out that originally Simsbury Manor was opposed to the trail but now people connect to it and the residents are friendly.

Ms. Mielert proposed that the BOS take action on this matter at their July 10th meeting.

Mr. Sawitzke addressed some of the questions from the public. He stated that the Town carries liability insurance. He noted that there will be no work within the streams which would effect the environment. Mr. Sawitzke stated that he will investigate the Zoning questioned, noting that the Planning Commission requires trail systems within subdivisions. He stated that he will look into a smaller surface aggregate to address the in-line skaters. Mr. Sawitzke noted that property owners along both routes were notified. He stated that the alternate route goes through Powder Forest in order to avoid rough terrain on Stratton Brook Road where it is steep and wooded. He stated that no easements have been obtained for either route, but Ensign Bickford has offered the access routes. Mr. Sawitzke stated that the maximum steepness of the alternate route is 10% and the proposed route is 4.5%. He stated that the proposed route includes 1,100 feet of sidewalk and the alternate route includes 3,900 feet of sidewalk. He pointed out that both routes are off-road.

Ms. Wilder questioned when the unanswered questions will be answered. Ms. Mielert requested that questions be submitted in writing prior to July 10th.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.