Residents have long wanted to bike, walk or run on a continuous trail along the Housatonic River.
Preliminary designs for a nearly 10-mile trail — presented this week to the Town Council — bring that vision a step closer to reality. In a report submitted to the council, Milone & MacBroom, a Chesire-based consulting firm, recommended the project be split into five phases.
“It’s amazing,” Councilwoman Katy Francis said of the company’s designs. “I think it’s fantastic.”
Because the trail project is in the early planning stages, costs and a timeline have not been determined.
Milone and MacBroom’s report envisions the first phase of the trail could be a mile long, from Boardman Bridge through the MedInstill property. It would require the medical supply firm to transfer the property to the town, most likely with an easement. The work would include two boardwalk sections and a ramp outside the right of way at the railroad crossing.
Vincent McDermott, senior vice president at Milone and MacBroom, recommended the town start with this piece.
“The route there is pretty clear and we have a cooperative property owner,” he said.
Phase two would be about 2.8 miles long and extend from the MedInstill driveway to Hidden Treasures Park. This section would encompass existing paths and trails, such as the new piece along Young’s Field. Sidewalks would be added, which could be difficult because homes in that area are close to the road.
The third phase would focus on building a bridge at Hidden Treasures Park, creating a 175-foot connection to the little island nearby and then a 285-foot section to John Pettibone Community Center.
“Phase three is a jewel and the biggest challenge in my opinion,” McDermott said.
The fourth phase would run about 2.5 miles long, extending from Pettibone to Harrybrooke Park, past the Kimberly-Clark building. This phase has three railroad crossings and would connect to Lovers Leap State Park.
The final phase would be a roughly 3.5-mile stretch between Harrybrooke Park and the Brookfield line.
Copyright (c) 2018, The Litchfield Country Times