Board approves Safe Routes sidewalk extension on Mitchoff to close gap near Central Trail

The board approved a resolution to cooperate on extending the Safe Routes to School sidewalk along Mitchoff, a change made because right‑of‑way constraints at the Corner of Central Trail prevented placing the sidewalk on the originally preferred side. The change matters because it creates a safer walking route for students to Timberstone and Central Trail neighborhoods where a sidewalk gap previously left students without a continuous path to school. Staff said the sidewalk could not be placed on the same side of the street at the Central Trail corner because of a barn and a house that limit the available right‑of‑way. As a result, engineers moved the sidewalk across the street from Central Trail to provide a continuous walkway. Board members supported the resolution as a practical compromise to create a pedestrian path for students. The board voted in favor of the joint cooperation resolution during roll call. Board members asked for confirmation of the alignment and expressed support for early communication to affected neighbors. Board members: Board Member Greg, Board Member Julie, Board Member Kirk (first name used in roll call), Staff (township/engineering liaison) Discussion points: right‑of‑way limitations at Central Trail corner; decision to place sidewalk on opposite side of street; practicality vs. preference. Direction: approve joint cooperation resolution and proceed with Safe Routes project as adjusted. Decision: resolution approved by the board during this meeting.