It hasn’t been built yet, but the chairman of a Paint Creek Trailways Commission committee would like to see the commission manage an extension of the trail through the Village of Lake Orion.
The 2,000 foot extension would begin where Paint Creek Trail ends, behind the old LS Foods property off of M-24. The Aspen Group, which has bought the land, plans on building a commercial/residential development and will continue the trail through the property to Atwater Street.
Although the chairman, David Becker, has suggested the Aspen Group dedicate the right-of-way to the trailsway commission, the developer had proposed the right-of-way remain village property.
In a letter sent to LO Village Manager JoAnn Van Tassel, Becker said Orion Township (which is a member of the commission) would probably assume responsibility for maintenance, insurance coverage and bike patrol costs.
Becker also believes trail users would be best served if this new segment became part of Paint Creek Trail and “be managed by a seasoned and experienced trail management body.”
Under Becker’s plan, the village would become a non-voting ex-officio member of the trailways commission.
Van Tassel recommended to the council on Jan. 13 it not agree to Becker’s proposal. She believes the village should have control of the use, maintenance and enhancement of the property.
“It will not be Orion Township or the trailways commission determining what happens within the village,” she said.
When the Aspen Group was seeking site plan approval for its project, village officials provided direction regarding what type of surface they would like to see on the extension.
Lois Golden, representing the trailways commission, was at the council meeting and described Becker’s letter as conceptual. “This has not come back to the board with your concerns.
“We want to make a formal presentation and encourage dialog. We’re open to suggestions,” she said.
Golden admitted the right-of-way topic came before the council “a little earlier than expected.”
Currently four communities (Orion Township, Oakland Township, Rochester, Rochester Hills) are represented on the trailways commission. They split the cost of managing the trail four ways (25 percent).
Some council members felt if the village joined the commission, paying 20 percent of the management costs wouldn’t be fair because so little of the trail would be in the village.
“We’re aware of your small segment,” Golden said.
Three members of the council will take a look at Becker’s proposal.