Board reviews Camp Polk 8-foot multi-use path design, notes tree removals and property-line outreach

Staff presented a contract design and construction proposal for an 8-foot-wide multi-use asphalt path along the west side of Camp Polk Road to improve bike and pedestrian safety and connectivity.

The staff presenter said the project would connect to an existing path adjacent to a distillery and would involve removal of a white fence in the public right-of-way and the removal of several trees (the presentation listed six Norway spruces and two additional trees as approved by the urban forestry board). The project is listed as a medium-priority in the transportation system plan and supports council goals for essential infrastructure.

Board members pressed on alignment and distance from the roadway (engineer responses estimated 3–4 feet from property line in some segments and roughly 16 feet from edge-of-pavement at the narrowest point to stay clear of the road). Members asked about replacing removed street trees and irrigation; staff said tree replacement and irrigation typically are part of future site-plan requirements and may be required when adjacent development occurs.

The board recommended installing conduit/sleeves during construction to accommodate future utilities, and they discussed whether lighting poles along the corridor are active. Staff said poles exist in places but lighting may not be energized at this time.

Next steps: staff will refine final design, coordinate neighbor outreach regarding property-line impacts and parking changes, and return with additional information and timing for construction.