Resident Request to Remove Neighborhood Trail Connection

This case was tabled at the July regular meeting, and accordingly, the case copied, and presented again as follows:

In May of this year, Mr. Jeff Lammert a resident at 7494 159th Ave in the Woodlands subdivision, contacted city staff about the potential for removal of a trail west of his house that provides the connection between the aforementioned neighborhood, and the one to the south at Traprock Street. The attachment begins with the site location map, and includes images of the trail connections this case discusses.

In summary, the trail was constructed by the Woodlands subdivision's developer at the direction of the city to provide intra-neighborhood connectivity. The city trail was in place before the house was built on Lot 5, Woodlands 2nd Addition in 2016, and also in existence and in public use when Mr. Lammert considered purchasing the property and house in 2021.  

It is staff's understanding that Mr. Lammert learned that the area of his lot was larger than he thought, and actually 'under' the easement containing the 10' foot bituminous trail, when he ordered a survey for the purpose of placement of a fence for the yard. It was at this time he inquired of staff about the possibility or process associated with potential removal of the trail.  Staff responded that they would not be supportive of removal of the trail, nor the expense associated with it, and that, "the trail was created to connect the two neighborhoods, at the time of the platting of the Woodlands subdivision many years ago. The trail provides walking and biking access to the south from the Woodlands, and the inverse from the Traprock Street neighborhood, to the north and east to the substantial and beloved boardwalk and trail along the entire east side of the Woodlands."

Mr. Lammert requested to be heard by the Park & Recreation Commission on his request for the removal of the trail, and thus the purpose of this case. He is expected to be present at the meeting, and provide his perspectives. 

Public notifications should occur if public improvements are proposed for removal.

Additional information will be available at the meeting.

No special funding is required to discuss the request to remove the trail.

If the Commission would recommend, or support further consideration on the removal of the trail, there may be Public Hearing and notification costs (mailings and publication, escrows for staff time etc.), and perhaps ultimately, the need to identify other costs that would be associated with the physical trail removal (e.g. concrete pedestrian ramp removals and curb replacements).

Staff does not recommend trail removals—but rather, additional and improved neighborhood trail connections generally.

Based upon discussion.