Crafton planning commission highlights consultant-led trails plan, schedules public forum
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Summary
Commissioners and residents reviewed a consultant study of borough trails, noted Army Corps coordination for creekside segments, and urged public comment at an upcoming forum referenced for Nov. 12. Engineers will review sidewalk and accessibility issues before installations.
The Crafton Planning Commission on Oct. 28 reviewed progress on a consultant-led trails study and encouraged residents to attend a public forum scheduled for Nov. 12 to comment on the draft recommendations.
Commission members said the consultant has identified potential trail miles across borough-owned and adjacent lands and will present priority areas and cost estimates at the public forum. "We're getting to a point with the November 13 being a public forum that we encourage anybody," one commissioner said, while other speakers repeatedly referenced a public meeting on Nov. 12 for public comment; the commission recorded both date references during discussion.
The commission emphasized that several creekside sections are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and will require coordination. "Specifically along the creek, that's not necessarily Crafton's domain. It is significantly, the Army Corps of Engineers domain," a member said, adding that Corps stipulations mean the borough needs a plan before work proceeds.
Members said engineers will review sidewalk widths, access and compliance issues before any fixtures such as bike racks or lighting are installed. During public comment a resident warned that additional street activity and bike racks could obstruct people using walkers. A commissioner replied that planned installations "will be done in consultation and collaboration with the borough engineer" to ensure compliance with required sidewalk widths.
Commissioners asked the public to attend the consultant presentation and said the commission will consider public comments before making formal recommendations to borough council. Staff and volunteer partners discussed the possibility of forming a volunteer "friends" group or nonprofit to help raise funds and maintain trails if the plan advances to implementation.
The commission said the consultant will present a prioritized set of projects, with associated maintenance implications and cost estimates, at the public forum; no formal vote on trail adoption or funding took place at the Oct. 28 meeting.
The commission scheduled time during upcoming meetings to review public feedback and to determine whether to recommend specific actions or funding requests to council.