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Commission debates Benton Lane pathway alignment; canal route preferred if easements secured
Summary
The commission and planning staff discussed several alignment options for a 10‑foot pathway tied to the Benton Lane rezone, including a preferred alignment over the Hooper irrigation canal if easements can be acquired.
Weber County planners and commissioners discussed route options for a 10‑foot multiuse pathway tied to the proposed Benton Lane rezone during the commission’s May 19 work session. The options include a direct alignment along the Hooper irrigation canal, a sidewalk-style pathway within the public right-of-way, and a route that skirts a detention basin.
Why it matters: The pathway is intended to connect new neighborhoods to 4100 West and the larger county trail network, including the Emerald Necklace along the Weber River. Commissioners emphasized that temporary cul‑de‑sac connections that force users onto streets can frustrate cyclists and pedestrians, so priority was given to alignments that maximize connectivity and future-proof the route.
Planning staff presented three options: a) the general‑plan alignment following the canal corridor (which would require easements or purchase because the canal and an adjacent parcel are privately owned); b) a 10‑foot asphalt path located within a widened public right-of-way and connected through neighborhood stub streets; and c) a route that loops around the detention basin and ties into neighborhood paths. A project proponent in the audience said he had already contacted the canal owner and received preliminary willingness to negotiate if the county pays for access across the canal pipe.
Commissioners voiced a preference for the canal route if the county can secure rights and avoid creating a trail “dead end.” Staff stressed design measures to reduce unwanted activity along confined trail corridors — options include wider rights-of-way (30 feet) to avoid high fences or narrower rights-of-way with 30% opacity fence design to reduce hiding spots and graffiti.
Next steps: Planning staff will pursue discussions with the Hooper canal company and affected property owners to determine easement feasibility. The conventional 10‑foot asphalt pathway through the public right-of-way will remain a required element of the tentative plan and will be expected to connect to future trail segments as neighboring properties develop.
Ending: Commissioners said a clear route that connects to the wider county trail system is a priority; staff will return with property‑control options and proposed language for development agreements.
