The City of Sidney held a public hearing on the construction of a pedestrian bike path on 22nd Ave. N.W. on Monday, Dec. 16. Multiple people spoke in favor of the project, citing safety concerns for the diverse users of the busy roadway. Runners, bikers and walkers, most of whom live in the area voiced their experiences dealing with the narrow street and busy traffic. With the softball fields and dog park drawing traffic to the area, children and adults need a safe avenue to navigate. Parents would like to be able to let their kids safely ride bikes or walk to the pool or the park. There were no opponents to the project and no one indicated a project with a greater need.
Sidney City Planner Forrest Markle explained that there is a Transportation Alternative grant available through the state which could cover up to 87% of the cost of the project if the city can show that there is no other project with a greater need. Planning has been in the works for some time. Sidney Public Works Director Jeff Hintz added that the path was accommodated for when they did the Anderson subdivision storm water project in the fall.
In other council news, Sidney Police Chief Mark Kraft reported that the Polar Plunge held on Dec. 14 was very successful with all dollars going to Special Olympics.
Sidney City Attorney Thomas Kalil reported that they have handled 128 cases since taking over from the county in July. Fifty-three of those cases are closed, with 75 remaining open. He expects several of those to be closed before the end of the year. He and Kraft agreed that they have a good working relationship with the police department.
Reader Comments(0)