Many thanks to those of you who spoke in support of the flow trail at the recent PROS Commission meeting in early August. Scores of you also took time to write to the PROS Commissioners and City Council. We know this process is taking a long time and we appreciate your continued support!
A RECAP…
As in the last few PROS commission meetings where trail work and the new Lime Ridge Flow Trail were on the agenda, this meeting was both informative and contentious.
City Staff presented updates on trail maintenance and other upgrades in the Open Space, much of it focused on the damage this winter from heavy rains. In addition, some unauthorized trails have been shut down and the rangers have been out talking with both cyclists and hikers on appropriate etiquette and which areas are open.
READ: The Lime Ridge Timeline
A history of the Trail Committee and its recommendations was presented and showed many of the 17 recommendations that have been accomplished in the past two years. The two primary items that we’re excited about are yet to be completed; a review of all narrow trails to determine whether they’re appropriate for multi-use (we believe that many in Lime Ridge and Shell Ridge are) and the creation of a flow trail in south Lime Ridge near the Boundary Oaks golf course.
The flow trail process has been moving slowly, mostly due to requirements like the CEQA review. The CEQA report has been completed and a representative presented the findings and the mitigations for any issues. There’s nothing in the report that would indicate that the trail shouldn’t be built.
Public comments followed the staff reports. In-person speakers were allowed to go first, followed by anyone joining via Zoom. The city hall room was mostly filled with those against the creation of the flow trail but a handful of mountain bikers were also present. The “against” faction was particularly heated and vocal. They were also rather disrespectful, talking over and heckling any speakers in favor of the flow trail.
Numerous pleas from PROS commission Chair Garland went unheeded until a 10-minute recess was taken and the crowd ordered to behave. Multiple police officers were brought in to keep the order.
It’s ironic that one of the main concerns of the “against” faction is the assumed bad behavior from mountain bikers if the flow trail is built, when, in fact, a few locals from the neighborhood continue to be so unruly and disrespectful.
READ: Choose Your Rancho Paraiso Hyperbole
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT…
At this point it appears that the new trail is moving forward as expected. There is a 30-day comment period for CEQA and then likely approval. Once everything is approved, the planning for trail creation in the spring can begin. This effort will require lots of volunteers and we’ll let you know how and when you can help once there’s a timeline in place. Make sure you are on our mailing list, or just let us know below.