City approves ambitious multi-use path and commercial center plan

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant developments in local infrastructure and commercial projects, highlighting plans for a multi-use path and a new commercial center.

The meeting opened with an enthusiastic endorsement of a project aimed at enhancing connectivity along a trail. The proposed improvements include the installation of a culvert to facilitate a sidewalk and a ten-foot multi-use path, which will extend from one end of the trail to the other. This initiative is part of a broader vision stemming from the historic bottoms planning study conducted in 2015-2016, which has been credited with generating innovative ideas for community development.

Following this discussion, the commission reviewed the Hearthwood lot five site plan, which proposes an 18,000 square foot commercial center on 4.3 acres along Chandler Place and South Rutherford Boulevard. Developer Grang Patel is leading the project, which includes two buildings and aims to improve access to the site with multiple entry points. The plan features a full access point on Rutherford Boulevard and a right-in, right-out access further into the site, along with an additional entry from Chandler Place.

City officials noted that the project has been in development for some time, with a sewer variance already approved by the city council earlier this year. The site plan also emphasizes pedestrian connectivity, despite the absence of sidewalks along South Rutherford Boulevard, by leveraging existing sidewalks on Chandler Place.

The commission unanimously approved the motion to proceed with the multi-use path project and the Hearthwood site plan, reflecting a commitment to enhancing both recreational and commercial infrastructure in the community.