Council approves release of Hines Woodland Trail pathway easement, 6–1

The Middleton Common Council voted 6–1 on Oct. 21 to approve resolution 2025-44, which releases a pathway easement for the Hines Woodland Trail.

Alder Myers moved the resolution on behalf of Public Works. During discussion alders asked whether the family after whom the trail is named had been consulted; Parks staff and family representatives confirmed the Case family had dedicated the easement and were present and supportive.

Several council members and residents pressed staff about guarantees that the trail — or an adequate alternate route — would remain open during future construction for adjacent development (Middleton Shores). City Engineer Luke replied that staff could not guarantee the easement could carry contingency language and that it would be impractical legally to re-impose an easement once released. He told the council there were no current plans for additional phases that would require a permanent closure and that a nearby crossing would be finalized within days.

“I'm speaking on behalf of my district,” Alder Lorman said, explaining she would vote against the resolution because constituents wanted the trail preserved during adjacent construction. “I simply will be voting no on this resolution to represent their view.”

Parks staff described the physical condition of a related informal path — narrow, with drainage problems and stretches that would need regrading and new culverts — and said a full upgrade would require design work and funds not currently allocated in the capital budget.

After debate the council approved the resolution 6–1. Members who supported the release emphasized working with public works and the developer to implement temporary protected bike/pedestrian measures when construction requires short closures.