Pasta: still on the move!

This time it's macaroni and cheese.

So, anyway, I've decided that I'm not really in favor the Windsor bike path because it involves cutting down trees and paving open space. If it were in a disused railroad corridor or part of another project, I'd be all over it, but not in this case, or at least how it's described to me.

But, you probably don't share my opinion. So, here are the details:

Trail Description

The proposed trail to be constructed will begin in the north at the DEP Boat Launch Area on East Barber Street and continue south approximately 3,200 feet ending at Meadow Road. The trail will be a 10-foot wide bituminous concrete path and will include a 10-foot wide prefabricated pedestrian bridge approximately 80 feet in length crossing Decker’s Brook.

Connectivity

This project is to construct the river trail that will eventually connect the Town of Windsor and the City of Hartford. The completed river trail will be an integral part of a trail system that crosses the Connecticut River and connects the Charter Oak Greenway to South Windsor, Vernon, East Hartford, Manchester and the East Coast Greenway. Riverfront Recapture, Inc. has endorsed this project as a link to their Riverwalk trail system in Hartford.

Trail Users

The existence of the river trail will increase the bike-to-work opportunities between Windsor and Hartford. Additionally, the trail will provide walkers, joggers, and others who are not able to use motorized transportation a safe travel way and the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Connecticut River. Direct access to the river will be provided by clearing brush at various locations along the trail. Benches and landscaping will be installed along the trail and the riverbank to allow people to relax in a tranquil environment. Parking for people using the trail will be available at the DEP Boat Launch Area at East Barber Street.

Master Planning

The land is owned by the State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection. DEP is considering further use of the area once the trail is constructed and in operation. This includes establishing tent areas, additional parking, canoe launches and educational opportunities.

The council's finance committee meets on Monday, June 14th at 7:00 in the Ludlow Room of Windsor's Town Hall (275 Broad Street) to determine if the town should enter into an agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection to construct the trail.

UPDATE!

So, I've been corresponding with Emily Moon, Assistant Town Manager in Windsor. She's the one who first told me about this. It would seem I'm entirely correct about trees being taken down. Here's her clarification:

Brendan,

One quick clarification. I just spoke with our town engineer. He said that the trail alignment will likely include some scrub brush clearing and some clearing of seedling overgrowth and a few minor, overgrowth trees. We will design the trail alignment to avoid large and significant trees.

I read your posting and it gives the impression that we'll be cutting down a lot of trees. That's not the case. We really are going to do everything we can to avoid cutting down trees. We have to construct a bridge crossing that will require us to clear some growth, but we'll largely avoid cutting down trees to create this trail.

-Emily