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Open‑space panel votes to pursue county grant to expand ADA loop at Negri Preserve
Summary
The Franklin Township Open Space Advisory Committee voted to pursue a Somerset County trails grant to expand an ADA‑compliant loop at Negri Native Grasslands Preserve, with estimated costs of roughly $20,000–$30,000 for the basic loop and $30,000–$50,000 if audio/Braille access features are added.
The Franklin Township Open Space Advisory Committee voted to pursue a Somerset County trails grant to extend the ADA‑compliant loop at Negri Native Grasslands Preserve and to fund accessibility improvements, the panel said at its April 21 meeting.
Tara, the committee staff member, outlined the proposal as an extension of the existing blue trail “so you can go completely around the bird blind and make a loop and come back,” with work likely to include an ADA‑compliant surface, railings and signage. She told members the basic scope was estimated at about $20,000–$30,000; adding accessible technology such as an audio tour or QR code content could raise the estimate to roughly $30,000–$50,000.
Members discussed technical constraints including wet areas and surface material choices; Tara said the committee would explore crushed stone or other natural, ADA‑compliant materials and would coordinate with the trails committee and the recreation department on design and permitting. She also raised modest accessibility items such as lower viewing areas at the bird blind and signage or Braille/QR code options for people with visual impairments.
A motion to pursue the county grant option was made and seconded; the committee agreed to move forward with developing a proposal, mapping and cost estimates and, if timing allowed, to present the vetted proposal to the committee before formal submittal to the county.
The committee chair and staff emphasized the grant requires construction readiness within 18 months of award and that the county evaluates awards on a case‑by‑case basis. Next steps include mapping the exact trail alignment, producing cost estimates and consulting with the trails committee and DPW on drainage and surface design.
