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Resident urges pedestrian access from Bella Breeze; staff says right-of-way and liability constrain short-term fixes
Summary
A resident asked the council about pedestrian access from the Bella Breeze/12 Bridges area to nearby retail; staff said sidewalks require public right-of-way or developer-funded construction, noted potential liability for creating access on private property, and cited limited funds for infill projects.
During the public-comment period on May 14 resident Whitney Eppeland asked when pedestrian access will be provided from the Bella Breeze and 12 Bridges neighborhoods to nearby retail amenities and whether a low-cost interim clearing could be used to make walking safer.
City staff responded that pedestrian infrastructure typically requires public right-of-way or is provided as part of private development obligations. Staff warned that creating informal paths across private property can create liability for the city if the city's actions effectively encourage public use on private land. Officials also said available road and sidewalk dollars are currently constrained and that infill sidewalk projects have been targeted where pedestrian demand and safety concerns are highest. Council members noted that a possible future road measure could include funds earmarked for pedestrian and bike access.
