Despite unforeseen obstacles, Chalfont Borough Council is still very much interested in completing the Northern Neshaminy Greenway Trail project, which was halted in May.
Except, that is, for Councilman Mitch Meyerson who, earlier this summer, submitted a list of questions about the plan, such as how it is being financed, what will be done to lessen flooding, who stopped work on the project and when it will start again.
Nearby residents have also expressed concerns over potential flooding caused by the removal of trees between Patriot Drive and the North Branch of the Neshaminy Creek. The trees being chopped, which caught many residents by surprise, resulted in a mud-filled pathway roughly 25 feet wide — and up to 50 feet at its widest points where surrounding dead and decaying trees were also removed.
Chalfont Borough Manager Shawn Curran recently responded to Meyerson’s questions.
Curran explained that the project plan was approved when the council made its yearly budget, which includes a grant to cover costs.
As for the flooding, grass seeds and straw were placed along the path. They have proven insufficient at absorbing the necessary water. Stone trenching was recently proposed. Curran refuted rumors of a parking lot being constructed on the path, stating that it is nowhere in the current approved plan.
Curran said he temporarily stopped work at the request of a resident on Patriot Drive.
Brian Hensel, a Patriot Drive resident directly affected by the trail project, offered some clarification on how and why the project was put on hold.
Council was allowed to make changes without notice so long as the affected area is no greater than one acre. Hensel explained that a member of his community suggested that the removal of dead trees adjacent to the path pushed the total past that one-acre limit.
This claim was reportedly enough for the council to pause the project, validate the information and obtain necessary approvals if, in fact, the borough has exceeded the one-acre limit.
Council members say they see many benefits to increasing trails even further, in accordance with the Doylestown Bike & Hike Committee. Several council members reported receiving calls and letters in favor of the trail project’s continuation.
Councilwoman Marilyn Jacobson even expressed a desire to eventually connect multipurpose trails to the trails around Lake Galena.
Meyerson continues to stand in stark opposition to the trail project. In speaking with him, Curran did admit that he would have handled the project differently had he the chance to do it over again. This statement was regarding Meyerson’s biggest criticism: that the borough council failed to inform Patriot Drive residents of the project prior to cutting trees.
Council members have stated they would like to do more to inform Patriot Drive residents, such as delivering letters and/or copies of their agendas to their homes. However, the council typically notifies the public of its actions via council meeting agendas and minutes exclusively.
“I think we have to take the extra steps, and just keep reaching out like crazy to get people involved and get people notified,” said Meyerson.
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