Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Trails topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears competing views on proposed Highway 70 West multiuse path
Summary
The Minocqua Board of Supervisors reviewed route options and funding for a multiuse path on Highway 70 West; snowmobile and ATV/UTV clubs expressed opposing preferences, the Wildwood Zoo owner raised safety concerns about the north-side alignment, and visitors bureau offered possible bridge funding. Town staff will gather maintenance cost information and return the item for further consideration.
The Minocqua Board of Supervisors discussed plans for a multiuse path along Highway 70 West on March 3, focusing on route choices, funding gaps and safety concerns.
Director of Public Works Mark Pertile and Chairman Mark Hartzheim reviewed planning history and route options for the path between Old Highway 70 and Camp Pinemere Road, saying federal funding previously identified was withdrawn under Act 20 and that a 2016 planning grant required engineer-drawn plans. Pertile outlined north- and south-side alignment options and described that bridge construction across the Tomahawk River is not covered by the current grant.
Why it matters: the path would provide pedestrian and bicycle access to the Minocqua Park Complex and is of interest to several recreation and business groups in town.
During public comment, Corky Shepard, speaking for the Lakeland Area ATV/UTV Club, said the “south side option would not work for the ATV/UTV club.” By contrast, Jerry Wakefield, representing the Cross Country Snowmobile Club, said his club would prefer the south-side alignment. Judy Domaszek, owner of Wildwood Zoo, raised concern that locating the trail on the north side could be a safety issue because of zoo traffic coming off Highway 70.
Krystal Westfahl, president of the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau, told the board the bureau can contribute money toward bridge construction funding. Town staff and clubs discussed that bridge funding and ongoing maintenance are not covered by the planning grant and would need to be financed by the town and/or user groups; Pertile said he will gather additional information on the town’s maintenance obligations.
Next steps: the board agreed to continue discussions between the clubs and the town and return the matter to a future meeting for a decision.
