Council Committee to Hold Open Discussion on Recreational Trails

As the community grows, how do new neighborhoods get connected to our trail system?

On Monday night, City Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee will have an open discussion on multi-use recreational trails in new subdivisions; the meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be held in Council Chambers.

This is clearly a topic of significant discussion and planning; not only has the city seen newly approved residential subdivisions come into the community, the city is currently developing new development standards and have a complete streets policy that will likely be updated. To many, these trails are seen as an essential component of the city's growth strategy, aiming to create a more connected and livable community for all residents.

Troy's approach to recreational trails within the community really has its start when the community adopted the Complete Streets Policy, in April 2017 and later amended the policy in November of the same year. This policy envisions a comprehensive, integrated, and balanced transportation network that safely accommodates users of all ages and abilities. The policy extends beyond just recreational trails, encompassing a holistic view of city planning that includes cyclists, pedestrians, transit users, and motorists.

According to the policy, the city's planning for new recreational trails in newly developed areas is guided by several key principles. Foremost among these is the goal of connectivity. Troy aims to create a network of multi-modal paths that bring together all quadrants of the city, with a particular focus on connecting residents to downtown Troy and the Great Miami River Recreational Trail. This approach recognizes the importance of not just creating isolated trail segments, but of weaving them into a cohesive system that serves the entire community. In other words, getting trail users in the community and opportunity to go to the larger, connected Great Miami River Recreational Trail is a goal.

In newly developed areas, Troy is considering requiring developers to incorporate trails into their plans. The Complete Streets and Trails Map, referenced in the discussion points, identifies locations for new pedestrian and bicyclist facilities. This map serves as a guide for extending the existing trail network into new developments, ensuring that as the city grows, its trail system grows with it.

However, the city is also grappling with the practical challenges of implementing this vision. One significant consideration is the cost of trail construction and maintenance. According to the information provided to the Community and Economic Development Committee, the annual maintenance cost for a trail system ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 per mile, with initial construction costs ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 per mile. These figures underscore the need for careful planning and prioritization in trail development.

On Monday night, the committee will be exploring various approaches to balance the desire for comprehensive trail coverage with budget constraints. One potential strategy, inspired by the Town of Plainfield, Indiana, is to require trails on all roads classified as minor collectors or above, but only on one side of the right-of-way. This approach could help reduce long-term maintenance costs while still providing significant trail coverage.

The committee will also discuss considering the specific needs and usage patterns of different areas when planning trails. For instance, while there is a desire to provide alternative transportation options for workers in industrial areas, the city recognizes that many factors may limit the use of trails for commuting. The majority of Troy's workforce (82%) commutes from outside the city, which may reduce the potential usage of trails for work-related travel.

To address this, the community may very well explore the possibility of enhancing or augmenting existing public or non-profit ride-to-work programs as a more cost-effective alternative to extensive trail development in industrial areas. This reflects a pragmatic approach that seeks to balance the ideals of complete street design with the realities of budget constraints and actual usage patterns.

The committee may also look at funding mechanisms for trail development. One idea that was put forward by American Structurepoint, the consulting firm that wrote the city’s new comprehensive plan, is the creation of a system of offsets, where developers might contribute to a fund for trail development in lieu of constructing trails themselves in certain situations. According to American Structurepoint, this concept is being integrated into the city's new Unified Development Code (UDC), as they help develop the code based on the new land use plan.

It is important to note that our community's approach to recreational trail development in new areas is not just about transportation; it's part of a broader vision for community development. The Complete Streets Policy emphasizes the potential for well-designed transportation networks to foster interaction, create a sense of community pride, and improve quality of life. By incorporating trails into new developments, the community aims to create more walkable neighborhoods and promote public health.

The Complete Streets Policy calls for training and education for staff, elected and appointed officials, and citizens to promote the goals of the policy. This inclusive approach ensures that the development of new trails is a community-wide effort, reflecting the needs and desires of Troy's residents.

Overall, Troy's approach to developing new recreational trails in newly developed areas reflects a thoughtful balance between ambition and practicality. The city is committed to creating a comprehensive trail network that connects all parts of the community, but is also mindful of the financial and logistical challenges involved. By exploring innovative funding mechanisms, prioritizing high-impact routes, and considering the specific needs of different areas, Troy is working towards a trail system that will enhance connectivity, promote active lifestyles, and contribute to the overall quality of life in the city for years to come.

What Do You Think?

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