Council adopts Active Transportation Plan after yearlong steering process

Lock Haven City Council on Sept. 22 adopted the city's Active Transportation Plan (resolution 2025-41) after a presentation from the plan's consultant and staff. The plan, produced with a steering committee and public input, lists goals, strategies and catalytic projects to improve walking, biking and connectivity across the city.

Barb Pegg, principal consultant with Thomas Harley Architects, reviewed the plan's three focus areas—access and connectivity; safety and comfort; and livability and health—and walked council through the implementation matrix that pairs projects with timeframes, cost estimates and likely partners. "When you go to implement it, this will be your recipe book," Pegg said, describing short-, mid- and long-term actions and funding options.

City planning staff said the steering committee, planning commission and members of the public participated in the process. The plan identifies top projects and quick-action items on pages 47-48 of the draft and recommends how to align funding and partners when moving to implementation. Council member discussion was limited and supportive; a roll-call vote adopted the plan.

Council also noted a $5,000 contribution from Clay County that supported the project work, allowing more detailed trail and connectivity analysis in the draft.

The plan will be added to the city's comprehensive planning materials; staff said adoption will allow the city to pursue the catalytic projects and to use the implementation matrix when applying for grants.

Council did not attach an additional implementation ordinance; staff will return with steps to integrate specific projects into the budget and capital program as funding is sought.