Friends of City Brook Historic Trail
Nov, 2009 letter to residents • Architect proposal • Site walk/trail flagging summary Aug. 20
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To: Friends of City Brook
From: Bob Spencer
Re: Trail Marking Session
Date: 24 August 2010
Attached: Landscape Architects Report
On Friday 8/20, as planned, Landscape Architect Barry Hosmer, AMC Trail Manager Keith Chapman and I hiked the full length of our proposed pathway from Keoka dam to the head of Bear Pond. A report from Hosmer is attached.
Several changes in the proposed route have been suggested by both Chapman and Hosmer. I am sure these will be evaluated by our group before the tread way is finalized.
- The crossing of Rte 35/37 beneath Wesleyan Chapel may require a bridge in order to satisfy D.O.T. design criteria.
- Another bridge may be required to provide passage from the west side of City Brook to a short section of trail that starts just north of my mill pond.
- For ease of construction and possible permitting, the LA suggests that the section between Back Street and Cross Street run on Park Street rather than through woods on the east side.
One final suggestion has, I believe, great merit. Passage from Cross St. Bridge south to Bear Pond is problematic along the east bank. Most of the length is marshy wetland. Locating a trail on the higher, drier west side would skirt already open land. A crossing would be probable near the Gibson Saw Mill site just north of the confluence with Mutiny Brook. A snow mobile bridge is already in place there. A trail system belonging to Bear Mountain Inn on the east side would provide an easy hike to the head of Bear Pond.
I am working on a new trail map now to show the extent of our work. With it we will be able to approach affected lot owners and the town agencies with a more specific plan. For anyone who is interested in checking the section from the Whitney site to Mill Hill Road has been blazed with orange spray paint on trees.
Thanks for your continued interest and support.