New Larson Creek Trail is in a squeeze - News - MailTribune.com - Medford, OR

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2014-11-11

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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation  |  Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Downtown district would raise money for beautification, marketing Emergency Services Since You Asked: 'Black' was used to describe unspeakable crimes a century ago Late frost — but not the latest Texas Roadhouse offering free lunches for vets Tuesday Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency Services Couple accused of robbing Dutch Bros. stand in Medford Driver crashes after attempting to pass on Hwy. 140 Grants Pass car crash kills one Emergency Services Politics and Elections Ballot measures played little role in mobilizing voters in state Senate race 'Euphoria' over pot initiative Oregon voters narrowly reject GMO labeling measure Statewide voter turnout close to 70 percent Marsh, Seffinger win big in Ashland council races Education Mom gives school lobby a makeover Crater students present play about Thoreau's night in jail Half of Oregon's community college enrollees need remedial classes Marketta Gregory: Stretch yourself for God Medford Schools Foundation supports programs the district can't Environment Grow 'em before you plant 'em Since You Asked: Biomass One makes steam-generated power Organic squash creates a bountiful harvest for ACCESS Prospect-area cow death likely not a wolf kill Navickas ordered to pay court filing fees State News Kitzhaber embattled as he seeks fourth term Nation - World Obituaries William Michael Chesney George Dotson CORRECTION Death Notices Jeanne R. 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The council tentatively approved spending $1.08 million for the second leg of the Larson Creek Trail, which ultimately will link the Bear Creek Greenway to North Phoenix Road. However, councilors didn’t unanimously approve the resolution supporting the trail, so it will be up for a second reading in two weeks. The city will meet with officials from Rogue Valley Manor, which owns property near the trail, to discuss seeking additional right of way that would allow the trail to be situated a little farther from the back decks of the townhouses. “I would like another five feet,” Strosser said. The council agreed to spend $217,000 out of its own budget for the project, and has received grants for the remaining $868,000. A 1,500-foot section of the trail is under construction from the Greenway to Ellendale Drive. The second leg, which will run past the Manor's Quail Point Golf Course and the townhouses on Hilldale Street, will extend from Ellendale to Black Oak Drive, a distance of about 3,500 feet. The property lines for the townhouses currently are only a few feet off the back decks, and the city owns the right of way between the back decks and the golf course. Many property owners purchased their townhouses with the assumption they owned the land some 10 to 12 feet behind their decks up to a chain-link fence abutting the golf course. Some of the property owners have expressed concern about vandalism or illegal camping once the trail is extended. Strosser said the decks likely were installed by the builder in the 1990s, and they may have been approved by the city at the time. Councilor John Michaels said he could foresee problems building the trail so close to houses. “Putting it to their back door — there’s going to be lots of issues,” he said. Cyclists who use the Bear Creek Greenway applauded the new trail. Dean Walker, 56, of Medford is a huge fan of the Greenway and has used it for the 15 years that he’s lived in the valley. “The Greenway has been one of the best things ever,” he said. “I think communities that are putting in bike routes and trails should be encouraged.” Pete Maciejewski, 60, of San Mateo, Calif., comes up every couple of months and enjoys the trail system through Jackson County. “The more bike paths, the better,” he said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow on Twitter at @reporterdm.   By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Nov. 6, 2014 @ 5:54 pm » Comment or view comments   Reader Reaction »  STAY INFORMED   Email NewsLetter   Sign Up Today   Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed   Email newsletter   Sign Up Today   Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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