Dunwoody Trail Master Plan Open House - Wednesday December 7th - 6:00 pm City Hall to discuss desired trail routes, destinations & trail types.

Brook Run Park (shown above) is an appropriate place for a 12-foot trail and it is what I believe people think of when our surveys say residents want more trails.  Wednesday night at City Hall there is a meeting to discuss trail / path options, routes, and trail types in our community.  Unfortunately the meeting agenda does not discuss funding priorities (that comes later), nor are there discussion topics regarding the trail impacts to the neighbors or possible tree/shade coverage when the current proposed 12-foot concrete paths are shoe horned into the existing right of way in front of single family homes. However, based on some of the feedback posted on social media regarding this meeting, I believe several of these topics will be raised by citizens.

To me many of the negative consequences I see could be alleviated by a simple reduction in path size in our single family zoning areas to include dedicated plantings of trees & bushes to foster both the beauty of our community and improve transportation options.   Think Peeler Rd Path along the Waterworks.  We could keep 12 feet where appropriate in the Perimeter area, do 8 feet along major thoroughfares and 6 feet within the neighborhoods.  A plan on proper sidewalk / path / trail build-out focusing on reasonable safety improvements might garner wide support?

Once the community (or elected officials) comes to a consensus on paths, there will be funding discussions to set priorities and lately I have been arguing to my fellow Council Members that these 12-foot paths may not be at the top of the list for the entire community.  We have many needs in this community, I know that pedestrian improvements are needed near schools where hundreds of children walk, we have intersections that need to be improved, we initiated a Citizen Capital Committee that listed numerous community wants and desires that are not these paths and in the coming months we as a community will need to have a serious conversation over finances, desired community amenities/improvements and the ongoing maintenance/operational costs of running a city.  As I said previously when talking about the City Budget, the baby is ugly and I have concerns.

I don't want to get too negative on trails & paths as I do see benefits too but the devil is always in the details, therefore I encourage the entire community to attend the Wednesday evening meeting in order to listen to what is presented, give feedback as to your desires & concerns.  

I am sorry to report that I will not be in attendance Wednesday but I will obtain information as to the meeting outcomes, listen to social media, talk to neighbors who attended, read newpaper articles and listen to anyone who wants to give me (or Council) their opinion by sending an email to Council.Members@dunwoodyga.gov    Thanks, John.

The City of Dunwoody is partnering with the PATH Foundation Team to develop a city-wide trail master plan. This project will verify trail opportunities and feasibility, develop branding and design standards, and outline strategies for implementation.

Help kick off the Dunwoody Trail Master Plan by attending the first Open House on Wednesday, December 7 at Dunwoody City Hall. Stop by between 6 and 8 p.m. to learn more about upcoming events and project timeline, and share your thoughts in this initial phase.

Consultants from the PATH Foundation will be asking participants to share ideas about the following:

• Potential destinations
• Desired trail routes
• Preferred trail types

There will be at least one additional public meeting later in the process.

Learn more: www.dunwoodyga.gov/trailmasterplan