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State review prompts additional easement requirement for AES Trail; engineers to provide options
Summary
City staff told the Greenwood Parks Board that the Indiana Department of Natural Resources requested further hydrology documentation for the AES Trail and that the DNR is requiring an additional easement near a creek crossing; engineers are preparing answers and alternatives.
City staff updated the Greenwood Parks Board Feb. 4 on the AES Trail project, reporting that the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requested additional hydrological analysis and, based on that analysis, has required an additional easement for a creek crossing on the project’s southern segment.
Why it matters: The required easement affects right-of-way and property‑acquisition steps close to the southern bridge crossing and introduces additional steps before the city can finalize construction permitting and funding allocation.
Details from staff: An engineer‑prepared hydrology report was submitted to DNR on schedule. DNR’s review identified a pinch point at the creek crossing that, according to DNR comments summarized by staff, could increase upstream water surface elevation by about six inches during a flow event. Because that area is not classified as a floodplain, DNR has asked for a dedicated easement in the southwest corner adjacent to the crossing.
Staff said they challenged the engineers to provide alternatives: a variance request, a design change to reduce upstream water elevation impacts, or other technical approaches that would avoid the additional easement. Staff are awaiting the engineers’ responses and additional clarification from DNR about the requirement and its justification.
Next steps: Staff said the right‑of‑way (lane) acquisition is complete for other parcels and that this easement is the remaining open item needed to close permitting. After DNR permitting is complete, staff will identify funding sources and proceed to construction scheduling.
Ending: The board asked staff to press engineers for options and to report back with the engineers’ recommended path (design change, variance or easement acceptance) and an updated schedule and funding plan.
