CDC approves $5,700 cost-estimate study for priority trail connections; adds funding agreement

At its July 16 meeting, the Highland Village Community Development Corporation recommended that the city enter a funding agreement to pay SPI $5,700 for professional engineering services to produce cost estimates and alignment analysis for priority trail segments, including connections near Bridal Hill, Unity Park and the district trail.

Phil (Staff member) explained the scope: the study would analyze alignment options, including potential railroad crossings and a proposed alignment shift near restrooms at Unity Park to remove a sidewalk from a parking-lot conflict. Phil said engineers will evaluate safety concerns and mitigation options.

Committee member (S7) raised a safety concern about a proposed connection that could create a blind spot where children cross near the restroom; Phil said the engineer will address that in the alignment work and could move the trail farther east to mitigate the issue. Phil also said the work will be treated as a public-works project and that Scott or staff will bring the study results forward for review.

Committee member (S5) moved to proceed with the SPI professional services for $5,700; S2 seconded. The board voted in favor and later amended the motion to explicitly include entering a funding agreement with the city; the amended motion carried. Board members estimated the study could take two to four months to complete, depending on the consultant backlog.