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Residents urge halt to Jenny Creek trail plan; commission to schedule informational follow-up
Summary
Multiple Sunset Terrace residents and Friends of Jenny Creek speakers opposed a proposed Jenny Creek trail, raising habitat, oak-tree loss and public-safety concerns; the deputy city attorney advised commissioners to request a future informational agenda item and staff said the trail will require a use permit and environmental review.
During an added non‑agendized public‑comment period, residents from Sunset Terrace and members of Friends of Jenny Creek urged the commission not to proceed with a proposed paved, lighted trail through the Jenny Creek greenbelt. Speakers said the concept would remove dozens of mature oaks, damage watershed habitat and risk increased encampments and crime near private backyards.
Steve West (speaker 19) told commissioners the proposed park-like trail would be large and lighted, warning it could become "a perfect storm of circumstances for a homeless park." Marcia McGatrick West (speaker 20), representing Friends of Jenny Creek, cited an engineer's estimate that the trail alignment could require cutting "65 plus oak trees" and asked the city to pursue alternative connections using existing trails. Conservation-minded commenters emphasized aquatic habitat: David Ledger (speaker 22) and others warned that cuts and sedimentation near narrow creek corridors could harm steelhead and salmon pools upstream.
Staff and the deputy city attorney cautioned commissioners about the limits of non‑agendized discussion and noted the Jenny Creek Trail application is incomplete and will require a separate use permit and environmental review before any approvals. The deputy city attorney recommended placing an informational item on a future agenda so commissioners can receive a full briefing and the public can engage through the formal process. Staff agreed to provide an update on next steps at a forthcoming commission meeting.
