TAC received the following notification from the city:
Dear TAC
Today, Council at a special meeting, discussed the Cherry trail. The Council knows the amount of commitment you have to this project and appreciates your patience. As you know Chris from C2 Recreation is currently working on a trail master plan. He plans on being in the City the last week this month to conduct site visits etc. Council feels that it would be in everyone’s best interest to wait until his final report is concluded before proceeding with a trail in this area. Council is also concerned with protecting the trail from erosion and in the dune stabilization. Therefore, it was decided that no trespassing signs would be posted to protect the trail and dunes at this time. Council wants to make it clear that they are not saying no to the proposed trail, but wanting to ensure that any trail constructed in the area is in the master plan and is in the best location for all parties involved. We expect Chris’s report to be completed late February or March. This would coincide with the City’s budget preparation for any trail construction. We look at TAC as a valued partner and wish to continue to work together toward a mutually beneficial outcome.
We look forward to working together with you moving forward.
John Kunkel
Interim City Manager
City of Manzanita
It is important to note The Manzanita Comprehensive Plan contains wording that directly relates to trail access through a public right of way. The Comprehensive Plan is the most important land use document of the City of Manzanita. Its purpose is to establish goals, objectives and policies for the future of the community. The Comprehensive Plan has the force of law. It is intended to guide development in a way that is in keeping with the desires of the majority of the citizens and property owners in the City and Urban Growth Area.
This request is in direct conflict to this trail plan specifically:
Page 29: "Street right-of-way which cannot be improved due to steep topography, or other valid reason, should be used for other purposes, such as parks or open space, walking trails or greenbelts."
Page 1,2. The plan overrides other city ordinances, such as zoning, subdivision or other ordinances when there is a conflict.
Page 1,7. The plan is not to be used for the benefit of a few property owners or special interests, but for the city as a whole.
Page 2. Citizens are urged to take part in the meetings and/or to apply for positions on city commissions or committees. No action is taken concerning improvements in public facilities, changes in the Comprehensive Plan or implementing ordinances without public hearings and much public discussion.
Page 18,3. To preserve some open spaces within residential neighborhoods, to create a harmonious balance of open and built-up areas, provide recreation space near dwelling places and to help maintain community identity.
Page 19,3. Retain existing public ownership, rights of way and similar public easements which provide access to or along the ocean shore.
Page 19,4. Encourage the involvement of local individuals and groups in the donation of land, labor, funds or equipment for the improvement of recreational facilities.
As a result TAC does not recognize the legal justification discouraging traffic down the established right of way. However, we do appreciate the spirit of the request to pause traffic and encourage our members to find other options to the beach while the City deliberates over trail development. We are hopeful the City will solidify a plan soon that benefits the entire community.
To that end, we need your help. While TAC has submitted a petition (over 300 signatures) requesting that a trail be made official, we ask that you contact the City Council - by letter, email or phone call - with the following message:
“As a homeowner in Manzanita I would like my trail access enforced by the city as is clearly stated in the Manzanita Comprehensive Plan (page 29): "Street right-of-way which cannot be improved due to steep topography, or other valid reason, should be used for other purposes, such as parks or open space, walking trails or greenbelts.””
Mike Scott:
mscott@ci.manzanita.or.us
COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Linda Kozlowski:
lkozlowski@ci.manzanita.or.us
CITY COUNCILORS:
Hans Tonjes:
htonjes@ci.manzanita.or.us
Steve Nuttall:
snuttall@ci.manzanita.or.us
Jerry Spegman:
jspegman@ci.manzanita.or.us
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