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Bids issued for Bellevue connector; commission discusses linear-park potential and mountain-bike features
Summary
Commissioners said bids have gone out for the Bellevue connector and discussed collaborating with Grosse Ile Country Club and Wayne County on a trail connection. Commissioners also floated exploring US mountain-biking grant programs and a community-supported trail or skills area on open-space property.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission reported that bids have been issued for the Bellevue connector project and discussed potential programming and partnerships for the corridor.
Why it matters: the connector could close a gap in the island trail network and enable a linear-park concept that links public spaces and regional trails.
A commissioner said prior communications with the Grosse Ile Country Club and Eric Antalak, who manages the Downriver Link Greenways grant program, seeded a short section of trail from the edge of the country club parking lot and that the intention was to close the road to create a continuous connection. Commissioners noted legal complexities because the right-of-way is owned by Wayne County, not the township.
Commissioners discussed opportunities to collaborate with the club on programming, and one commissioner suggested reaching out to the new club president. The commission also discussed the possibility of applying for support from mountain-biking organizations that offer grants for trail features; commissioners said any mountain-bike or skills-area proposal would need Open Space Committee approval and sensitivity to wildlife and habitat in township open space.
No formal decision or funding commitment occurred at the meeting. Commissioners said they will continue discussions with Wayne County, the country club and open-space stakeholders as design and legal matters are clarified.
