The idea of a bicycle pathway connecting Ninigret Park to South Kingstown is back. This very expensive idea has resurfaced. A Public Hearing has been set for Tuesday, August 13th. There is a lot that can be posted about this proposed bike path, but I will try to keep it simple.
This proposed bike pathway has already cost the town $27,000 for a feasibility study. This study was completed in November 2018 and paid for with our tax dollars. There was no public input into the need for this study or this Bikeway.
There are 3 options for the proposed Coastal Route Bikeway. Cost estimates range from $5.5 million dollars to $10.7 million. These estimates do not include additional costs for survey, design, right-of-way acquisition, permitting, safety beacon systems, retaining walls, traffic studies and utility modifications.
In June of 2018, the State of RI sent a letter to Town Administrator Mark Stankiewicz regarding the addition of bike lanes on Old Post Road. This letter advises the town that there are “additional complexities” that will cost the town an additional $1.5- $2 million.
This same letter indicates that these complexities include: . Utility pole relocations . At least one retaining wall relocation . Potential neighborhood opposition to expand the project . Cultural resource and archaeological matters requiring studies and permissions
Town Manager Mark Stankiewicz wrote “it would be inadvisable to entertain the project at this time” There are more issues surrounding this proposed bike pathway, these are just a few of the highlights.
If you wish to voice your opinions, please come to the Public Hearing at the August Town Council meeting (Tuesday, August 13th at 7pm at the Town Hall) and have your voice heard. If you cannot attend, please send an email to the Town Clerk, Amy Weinreich, at ARWeinreich@charlestownri.org and request that your comments are read into the record.
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