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Article originally posted 11/14/18 by Leeann Sinpatanasakul in America's Trails. This article was co-written by Jordan Mullaney, a Policy Intern at RTC.  The following article was originally posted on November 14, 2018 by Rails to Trails Conservancy. The original article featuring projects by our neighbors to the south can be found here. It’s officially the Year of the Trails in Ohio, and the Buckeye State is building significant momentum on trail projects, from Cleveland to Cincinnati and beyond. These projects are showing how cities and entire regions can leverage the impact of existing trails to create trail "spines," and biking and walking networks that connect people and places—providing safe and healthy ways to get outdoors, while generating new economic opportunities that revitalize neighborhoods and communities. If you want to learn more about the benefits trails are creating in Ohio and across the country, check out our Trails Transform America campaign website. Our latest featured community is Cleveland—and you can read more about their story here. However, there’s much more going on! Here are three projects that demonstrate why 2018 is truly Ohio’s Year of the Trails. Northeast Ohio’s Trail Network Is ExpandingOn Oct. 16, 2018, trail advocates, planners and elected officials celebrated how trails are transforming their community with an event in Euclid, Ohio. The event highlighted the Cuyahoga Greenways Plan—a joint effort to build an interconnected system of greenways and trails in Cuyahoga County—including a new riverfront trail in Euclid. The event also highlighted a unique local program by NOACA (Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency), the Streets Supplies Program, which loans materials to municipalities for temporary transportation projects—like building a protected bike lane in Euclid at the site of the event! The hope is for the temporary lane to become permanent in the future to improve mobility for residents and commuters and encourage more people to bike to get where they need to go. In nearby Cleveland, major trail developments are also promising convenient and safe connections for recreational and commuting purposes that transcend age and class. The Midway Protected Bike Boulevard Network will drastically improve connectivity between the downtown area and the greater metro area through 60 miles of protected, two-directional bike lanes—with a separate signal system. With a focus on creating connections in highly trafficked areas, the project will reduce the threat of bike-related injuries and help more people get to and from destinations citywide. An $8.3 million grant this year has helped the city start building the first phase of many to complete this network. Other projects are leveling the field for biking and walking in underserved neighborhoods, like the Redline Greenway, which highlights rail-with-trail development along an active rail transit line while connecting 11 schools and several public housing communities, and the Downtown Connector trail, which has plans to link the diverse cultural heritage of the Slavic Village to popular destinations outside the city. Southwest Ohio Celebrates the Long-Distance Ohio to Erie Trail and Local Protected Bike Lanes Last month, the small town of Xenia, Ohio—part of the “nation’s largest paved trail network”— welcomed 50 bicycle riders during their statewide ride of the 326-mile Ohio to Erie Trail, bringing attention to how trails significantly enhance Xenia and other communities from an economic and recreational standpoint. Located in the Little Miami River Valley, Xenia is centered at the heart of a five-trail “hub”—the Ohio to Erie Trail, the Prairie Grass Trail, the Creekside Trail, the Xenia Jamestown Connector Trail and, of course, the Little Miami Scenic Valley Trail. This Trails Transform America event also celebrated a recently completed protected bike lane that safely connects the Little Miami Scenic Trail through the heart of downtown without getting lost—or heading into some hairy traffic. State Agencies Are Breaking Down Silos and Collaborating to Create the Future of Ohio’s TrailsIn the past, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has focused on planning and building recreational trails, while the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has traditionally worked on designing and constructing transportation trails and protected bike lanes. In the Year of the Trails—and beyond—the two departments are beginning to coordinate their individual efforts to create a comprehensive trail network across the state. The ODNR is poised to complete its State Trail Plan by the end of 2018 to celebrate Ohio’s Year of the Trails, while the ODOT is working on its future transportation plan with the Ohio Moves Transportation Study. Collaboration between the two agencies will ensure a broader understanding of both urban and rural needs for trails and prioritize both active transportation and recreational trails. Ohio isn’t the first state where transportation and recreation departments have worked together to achieve like-minded goals; in fact, many other states such as Pennsylvania have charted these waters to great success. Ohio isn’t stopping there! The Ohio Department of Health and ODOT have established a joint Active Transportation Team meant to promote collaboration between agencies. They even put together a grant-funding program to encourage more healthy, active transportation options for Ohio communities. Meanwhile, ODNR has partnered with TourismOhio to develop a trails website and promote the state’s resources. While there is still plenty of work to be done together, these agencies are off to a good start! Over the past decade, alongside the growth of cities and small towns in Ohio, there has been a growth in the state’s local and regional trail networks. The events in Northeast Ohio, Southwest Ohio and across the state celebrate the many ways in which these connected networks have helped spur economic development and create healthy, thriving communities. These developments are proof that communities recognize the benefits of biking and walking—and demonstrate how they are vital to creating balanced transportation systems for Americans. What’s being done in Ohio can be mirrored across the nation to realize the benefits of trail networks for a diverse range of people and places. So the next time you’re in Ohio, check out these trails—maybe they’ll inspire you to start a project back in your hometown! Leeann Sinpatanasakul serves as advocacy manager for RTC's public policy team. She focuses on generating grassroots support in America for state and federal trail funding.
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 October 15, 2018 Dear Pathway Supporter, We are closer to connecting our communities with a network of non-motorized pathways. These pathways will afford everyone the opportunity to get outside and be active -walking, jogging, bicycling or strolling the baby along quietly. Enjoying nature, wildlife and outdoor spaces are proven ways to reduce stress while improving health. Additionally, these pathways bring in visitors who boost the economic development and stability of our communities. Pathways provide non-motorized routes to work, school, the store or market or any one of our many beautiful lakes or parks. We’ve made great progress since the LAFF Pathway organization’s inception in 2012. Here are some of our recent achievements - thanks to your previous contribution(s):
These dollars are being used to acquire an additional $732,000 in grant dollars. The Fenton-to-Linden pathway is projected to cost $2.4 million, of which, due to matching grant opportunities, will require an estimated $750,000 to be funded locally. This project can be realized by raising a combination of private and public dollars in 2018-19, completing the construction engineering in 2019 and pathway completion in 2020-21. The LAFF Pathway network is the largest regional project of our time, and you can be part of it. Please, make your tax-deductible donation right now to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint’s LAFF Pathway Fund. Go online to www.LAFFPathways.com and click on Donate to the LAFF Pathway link. Thank you for your generous gift which will have a lasting impact on enriching our communities forever. My best, Ron Stack Chairman “Let’s Put It on the Ground”  The City of Fenton in conjunction with Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation, Fenton Township, the City of Linden and the LAFF Pathway organization are set to apply for County, State & Federal TAP (Transportation Alternatives Programs) grants.
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The City of Fenton in conjunction with Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation, Fenton Township, the City of Linden and the LAFF Pathway organization are set to apply for County, State & Federal TAP (Transportation Alternatives Programs) grants.
$108,000 locally raised dollars could get $732,000 grant dollars!
Already secured:
LAFF Pathway $48,000
Southern Lakes Parks & rec $15,000
City of Fenton $15,000
Total so far: $78,000
Only $30,000 more to go! - Sounds like a lot? Its actually only $5,000 per year over the next 3 years for the remaining municipalities.
Remaining entities expected to contribute to meet the local match requirements:
Fenton Township - Voting Monday Sept 17th, 7:30pm - Fenton Township Hall (lower level), 12060 Mantawauka Drive, Fenton.
City of Linden - Voting Monday, September 24th, 7pm - Linden Council Chamber, 201 N. Main Street, Linden.
We need your support, by attending either or both of the above meetings where a vote will be taken to provide identical financial support for this TAP grant. If you're available - please attend and offer encouragement to support the largest regional project of our time.
LET’S PUT IT ON THE GROUND
$108,000 locally raised dollars could get $732,000 grant dollars!
Already secured:
LAFF Pathway $48,000
Southern Lakes Parks & rec $15,000
City of Fenton $15,000
Total so far: $78,000
Only $30,000 more to go! - Sounds like a lot? Its actually only $5,000 per year over the next 3 years for the remaining municipalities.
Remaining entities expected to contribute to meet the local match requirements:
Fenton Township - Voting Monday Sept 17th, 7:30pm - Fenton Township Hall (lower level), 12060 Mantawauka Drive, Fenton.
City of Linden - Voting Monday, September 24th, 7pm - Linden Council Chamber, 201 N. Main Street, Linden.
We need your support, by attending either or both of the above meetings where a vote will be taken to provide identical financial support for this TAP grant. If you're available - please attend and offer encouragement to support the largest regional project of our time.
LET’S PUT IT ON THE GROUND
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- Mission Statement: “Connecting Communities with Multi-Use Recreational Pathways.”
- Multi-Use Pathways – 10ft wide, ADA (American Disability Act) accessible, paved trail with potential sections of board walk (wood decking)
- LAFF is a Michigan nonprofit corporation comprised of local community volunteers; tax deductible donations to help build the pathway can be made to “LAFF Pathway Fund”, Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) either via the LAFF website or sent directly to the foundation.
- Our website is: LAFFpathways.com which contains:
b) A current project timeline
c) Maps of proposed pathways
d) News & information
e) Links to our Facebook page – “LAFF Pathway-Community Page”
f) A resident’s survey on pathways
g) How to get involved
h) Contacts
- LAFF Pathways:
2) A = Argentine
3) F = Fenton
4) F = Fenton Township
5) Other communities interested in connecting with LAFF? Holly, Byron, Tyrone Township, Seven Lakes Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - (a potential 16+ miles of pathway).
- The “Silver Lake Road Corridor section” runs from Jennings Rd, Fenton to Triangle Park, Linden and is the first priority for a pathway, identified by local residents. Preliminary engineering plans have been completed and were funded by donations to the LAFF Pathway Fund.
- Design work IS NOT covered by grants. Tax deductible donations have to be raised for design engineering and after a certain percentage is achieved, can be used as matching dollars (for future grant requirements)
- Next step – a governmental unit needs to take “ownership” of the project in order to serve as the grantee (for any grants received), hold any potential easements, plus manage the construction project.
- How can you help? Make a tax deductible donation to help fund the pathway; talk to your local governmental officials and tell them this is a priority for you and you want to see pathways “put on the ground” in the LAFF area.
- Non-motorized multi-use pathways are for EVERYONE; runners, walkers, roller bladders, children, families, seniors, bicyclists, and more (equestrians not included in LAFF pathways). These pathways provide for alternate forms of transportation, economic gains for businesses and communities, provides opportunity for tourism, helps create a healthy community and increases home values.
- The LAFF is a Michigan nonprofit corporation. We are working with the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) as our 501-c3 partner. Gifts may be made to the LAFF Pathway Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Individuals or corporations may make donations through our website or through the foundation website or by mail to them, www.LAFFpathways.com or www.cfgf.org. All tax-deductible funds donated to support the LAFF mission are deposited with the CFGF and held by them.
- The LAFF mission is, “To connect the Linden, Argentine, Fenton and Fenton Township communities with non-motorized pathways. This will create recreational opportunities and alternate forms of transportation, improve public safety, increase community and home values, and realize economic gains for area businesses”. Our website is www.LAFFpathways.com and our Facebook page is LAFF Pathway - Community Page.
- LAFF Pathways Inc. is grateful to our local communities – City of Linden, Argentine Township, City of Fenton and Fenton Township along with the Southern Lakes Park and Recreation Commission (SLPRC), Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission (GCMPC), the Genesee County Road Commission (GCRC) and Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission (GCPRC) for supporting our initiative to provide safe non-motorized pathways within our local communities.
- The Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission (GCPRC), on behalf of the SLPRC, signed a contract with Nowak & Fraus Engineering for preliminary engineering and scoping on the Priority Tier 1 Trail along the Silver Lake Road corridor connecting the cities of Linden and Fenton. The length of this pathway is approximately 2.0 miles. This preliminary Engineering study includes preliminary surveys, preliminary engineering design, route evaluation and preliminary construction costs for development.
- The Silver Lake Road corridor pathway placements were the first choice of the public through public hearings held in 2009, 2010 and again in 2014. All community park and recreation plans have supported this routing as reinforced by the most recently approved Five (5) Year Park Recreation/Non-Motorized Plans by both the City of Linden and Fenton Township. Argentine Township’s existing plan also provides for these non-motorized facilities.
- The pathway connection between the City of Linden, through Fenton Township, to the City of Fenton connects to the existing sidewalk at Tri-Angle Park in Linden and to an existing sidewalk in Fenton east of Jennings Road.
- The Argentine Township pathway runs from the west city limits of Linden through the Linden High School-Middle School Campus to Lobdell Lake Road and then connects to Haviland Beach Drive. The length of this pathway is approximately 2.0 miles.
- These non-motorized pathways are designed to be ten (10) feet wide blacktop surface with some wooden pathway facilities where there are low spots to be bridged.
- The plans will receive preliminary and final review and approval from all the local governments, county agencies and state agencies, including the Michigan DEQ.
- As of February, 2017 the Silver Lake Road corridor plans connecting Fenton and Linden are being reviewed by the local, county and state agencies. The next step for this section of plans is to work on acquiring easements, were necessary, and acquiring grant moneys along with match monies to satisfy the grant applications.
- As of February, 2017 the Argentine section, designed by Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering, has 99% of their easements signed and recorded. They have also received a grant for approximately $430,000. They will be receiving an additional $400,000 from a Safe Routes to School grant this coming year.
- The LAFF was approached by other local communities about pathway extensions. We have met with Holly Township, the Village of Holly and Seven Lakes State Park officials to seek connecting the City of Fenton through the state park to reach Water Works Park in the village. When successful this would yield approximately 16 miles of non-motorized facilities between Argentine and Water Works Park.
- Typically, the professional services fees for design work ARE NOT covered by grant monies. Thus, far the professional services fees for the Linden to Fenton connection have been paid for by the LAFF Fund from donations that have been made to that fund. THUS, FAR NO PUBLIC NONEY HAS BEEN SPENT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THESE CURRENT PLANS.
- The LAFF has donated from our LAFF Fund to Argentine Township $5000.00 to support their engineering fees. ADDITIONALLY, the Community Foundation of Fenton granted Argentine Township $7000.00 toward their engineering fee costs.
- The approximate cost for construction of the City of Linden through Fenton Township to the City of Fenton, non-motorized pathway, connection is approximately $2.4M.
- The approximate cost for construction of the Argentine section, non-motorized pathway, from the City of Linden to Haviland Beach Drive through the Linden Schools Campus is approximately $1.1M.
04.09.17
A joint resolution from the communities of the City of Linden, Argentine Township, City of Fenton and Fenton Township was approved and signed to support the planning, development and construction of non-motorized trails and pathways within their communities for the the purposes of promoting smart growth and alternate forms of transportation that will create strategic growth, environmental integrity, economic prosperity, and social equality, making all communities in southern Genesee County great places to work, live and play. Resolutions were approved in August and September, 2015.
A resolution request is currently before the Southern Lakes Parks and Recreation Commission for their consideration.
A resolution request is currently before the Southern Lakes Parks and Recreation Commission for their consideration.
We accomplished the Fenton Township Board of Trustees approval and support for the resolution!
City of Linden and City of Fenton have already approved it at their council meetings. Argentine Township approved the format and resolution at their last meeting and will approve signing at their meeting on September, 28.
City of Linden and City of Fenton have already approved it at their council meetings. Argentine Township approved the format and resolution at their last meeting and will approve signing at their meeting on September, 28.
Author
LAFF committee supports the development, funding, construction, safe use and preservation of non-motorized pathways in the Linden, Argentine,
Fenton, and Fenton Township areas.
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