Commission debates joint walking-trail concept with Harborside Christian Church; motion to table fails 3-2

Representatives of Harborside Christian Church presented a concept Oct. 6 for a joint public walking trail linking the church’s wooded property with adjacent city-owned Green Springs Preserve. Church representative Ethan Parker said the church would fund most improvements on church property — playground upgrades, a pavilion, a water feature and walking trails — and asked the city to authorize staff to pursue a concept design, survey and initial cost estimates for a trail segment crossing city-owned land.

City Community Development Director Carol Strickland framed the request as authorization for staff to continue work with the church on survey, concept design and public engagement and return to the commission with recommendations. Strickland noted the city parcels are listed in the parks inventory as Green Springs Preserve, described as a passive park in the comprehensive plan, and cautioned that wetlands and conservation easements exist in the area.

Commissioners and residents raised concerns about wildlife, wetlands, maintenance costs and public safety. Several commissioners described the area as one of the last undeveloped woodlands in the city, with frequent bird-watchers, coyotes and other wildlife; one commissioner said the area contains submerged wetlands for part of the year. Other commissioners said formalizing trails could concentrate foot traffic in defined corridors and improve stewardship, and noted the church’s offer to fund work on its property.

After public comment and staff discussion, a commissioner moved to table the item until the second meeting in November (Nov. 17) to allow commissioners to tour the site and for staff to prepare details. The motion failed on roll call, 3 to 2. Commissioners who voted against tabling said they were not convinced the item should be delayed and wanted staff to continue coordinating. The commission did ask staff to look into hazardous conditions, trash or abandoned vehicles on the city property and to consider signage or other measures to deter trespass and reduce liability; several commissioners accepted a staff offer to arrange a site tour for interested commissioners.

City staff said a formal survey, environmental review and public notice would be required before any permanent improvements on city land and that any trail across city property would require formal authorization and likely easements or agreements.

Outcome: no tabling motion carried (motion to table failed 3-2); staff directed to evaluate hazardous/trespass conditions and to coordinate site visits and follow-up information for commissioners. The request for authorization to proceed to surveys and concept design was not advanced to project authorization at this meeting.