Planning Commission backs Trails Master Plan amendment to prioritize multimodal connections

The Saratoga Springs Planning Commission on Feb. 26 recommended that City Council approve an amendment to the Trails chapter of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Master Plan to update citywide trail and bicycle-lane maps and prioritize a multimodal network. Planner I Joel Temple presented the proposal, saying the update includes "updated city-wide maps of trails, trailheads, and bicycle lanes" and is intended to help the City pursue grants and complete missing links to regional amenities such as the Frontrunner station.

A public commenter, resident Emily Pulham, urged the commission to close a walking-and-biking gap near the new high school, asking whether land outside the school's designated 60-acre site could be used for a separated trail. "Her understanding following that discussion was that the City's hands were tied, and it would not be fair to ask the school district to build a street cross-section above what City code required," she said. Commissioners and staff discussed trail surface quality, root overgrowth on asphalt paths and maintenance responsibility. Engineer Dan McRae described the City-maintained trail standard as "5-inch concrete trails with 8 inches of untreated base," and Planning Director Sarah Carroll said the staff report did not include cost estimates but that the amendment helps prioritize projects and pursue funding.

The commission voted 6–0 to forward a recommendation for approval, with Commissioner Scott A. Hill making the motion and Commissioner Colton Miles seconding. The recommendation carries findings and conditions listed in the staff report and is intended to guide project sequencing rather than authorize construction immediately.