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Public Invited To Look At Urban Trail And Sidewalk Project Plans

Last updated on Friday, August 8, 2014

(BEDFORD) - Bedford Mayor Shawna Girgis is inviting residents to attend the City Council meeting Tuesday at the Indiana Limestone Building in the Northwest Assembly Hall, at 405 I St., to get the first look at plans for the proposed Stellar development of an urban trail that will include two loops downtown and a spur to the north along L Street to connect it with the Milwaukee Trail.

The Milwaukee Trailway will follow an old railroad bed that begins on O Street and will link Bedford to Crane.

At the meeting, engineers from the Lochmueller Group will present initial findings from the land survey and preliminary designs will be available for the public to review. .

"Residents identified sidewalks improvements and trails as one of the highest priorities in Bedford's Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Revitalization Plan," she added.

Girgis says the project will:

  1. Encourage safe outdoor recreation and physical activity
  2. Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and meet needs of all residents
  3. Promote a thriving Downtown
  4. Provide amenities that attract and retain our young people

"This project will improve existing sidewalks so they are level, larger, and meet the needs of all residents," Girgis wrote in an email.

Girgis says, land use restrictions prevent the City of Bedford from using the rail bed east of Lincoln Avenue for trails. Therefore, a plan was developed with professionals to connect the Milwaukee Trailway to the downtown trail.

City officials are committed to maintaining the trees and beauty of the area, as well as safe pedestrian walkways.

" It is my goal to keep all of the trees within the project area," Girgis added. "Professionals are developing plans that integrate the project with existing trees."

The project is to be constructed on public right of way, but the city does not intend to take ownership of private property for this project.

"A property survey is underway to provide precise information about trees and property, as well as determine the width of the walkway," Girgis wrote.

The goal is to build a better Bedford.

"I am excited about this project because it will create opportunities for recreation and improve Bedford's quality of place," Girgis wrote. "Together we are Building a Better Bedford, which requires commitment and patience but the results will be worth it."

More Information about the project visit www.bedford.in.us. Residents can also contact Marla Jones, Director of Business & Community Development for the City of Bedford at (812) 279-6555 or mjones@bedford.in.us or City Hall.

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