Firefly Trail nearly complete on early segments; seed money added to greenway plans

Todd updated the commission on Firefly Trail construction, saying segments 1 and 2 (Hancock Road, De Moss Road, Athena Drive area) are approximately 95% complete and that crews are installing colored concrete and replacing a stream culvert on segment 3. He said weather delays and Georgia Power utility moves pushed the anticipated completion for the Oakmont subdivision connection to the end of March; the manager's office is addressing outstanding property‑owner requests before finishing to Winterbell.

Commissioners discussed a granite wall at a Firefly trail entrance and raised visibility/height concerns for trail egress. Staff said trail construction coordination involved utility work and property negotiations tied to a development agreement for phase two of the trail.

On regional capital programming (TWS/TSP list), staff said the finalized project list added a sixth year and increased some pavement and maintenance funding; it also contains seed money referenced in the meeting (about $7 million) that staff suggested could be used for greenway access improvements and initial trail tie‑ins such as a short connector from Ben Burton toward Matthews Motors. Staff cautioned bridge construction would be costly and that the seed funding is more likely to support on‑road improvements, small parking/access, and preliminary trail segments.

Staff said neighborhood developers have expressed willingness to include trail tie‑ins in future development designs, and that the greenway plan shows a west‑side river alignment with potential access improvements. No formal capital commitments or votes were taken at the meeting.