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Commission approves sidewalk waiver on Division Street to allow Evansville Trails connector
Summary
The commission approved a sidewalk-waiver request for Division Street (3000 block), clearing the way for the Evansville Trails Coalition and partners to complete a two-mile-plus trail connector; the waiver passed 8-0 after staff and applicant explained the project and property donation.
The Area Plan Commission on May 1 approved a sidewalk waiver for Division Street (Division Street 3002/3000 subdivision) that will allow a trail connector project to proceed without immediately installing sidewalks along the subdivision frontage.
Laurie Van Hook, executive director of the Evansville Trails Coalition, said the Dillo family is donating a parcel to support construction of a switchback and accessible connection in a multi-use trail that links Wesselman Woods and Wesselman Park to downtown and east-side neighborhoods. Van Hook said the project received $2 million from the state Next Level Trails grant program and involves multiple partners, including school and park property owners who will provide easements for the connecting path.
Planning staff noted the subdivision review committee initially denied the sidewalk waiver; the Board of Public Works subsequently approved the waiver on March 27, and the APC was asked to approve it so the subdivision could be recorded without requiring sidewalks at this time. City engineering and the Evansville Metropolitan Planning Organization had comments on access and sidewalk standards, but the Board of Public Works supported the waiver to facilitate the trail project.
Commissioners voted 8-0 on a motion to approve the sidewalk waiver. Votes recorded in favor were: Mister Shetler, Mister Walters, Miss Cobble, Miss Freeman, Mister Gable, Mister Nicks, Mister Petke and Miss Stevens. The waiver clears an administrative hurdle so the Evansville Trails Coalition and the Department of Parks can continue design and construction of the trail connector.
