Update from Morgan Falls Bike/Ped Bridge Meeting (6/17)

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I attended the Proposed Morgan Falls Bike/Ped Bridge meeting on June 17th in Sandy Springs. (AJC Article here: http://tinyurl.com/nckq3m)

I also attended the first one in late April in Roswell with over 100 folks present and voiced my support. This meeting had around 50 attendees (+/-). There were several folks tonight with the NIMBY syndrome (not in my backyard) concerned about noise, litter, crime, access, etc. But there were a good number of supporters, including many bicyclists and several non-bicyclists (Grandpa & kids, Sharing Nature, etc.).

My gut feeling is with the NIMBY syndrome on the Lower Roswell Multi-Use Trail, with the way they really organized, went “Green” and tried to derail it, I think the “Con” people may try to pull out the stops on this one to prevent it.

Background Story on Lower Roswell: http://tinyurl.com/kp4vtd

Once they heard the numbers that NPS Superintendent Dan Brown rattled off (see next), several “cons” voiced concern that the park is leaning toward building the bridge – or even assuming it’s a done deal. “Con” attendees that identified themselves from Sandy Springs were limited. They lived within ½ mile from the dam (again, NIMBY).

The other opposition is from the supporters of Hyde Farm (www.friendsofhydefarm.org). I do not wish to cause them any concern. We are merely asking to have access from Lower Roswell Road down to the river. Next year, there will be a Multi-Use trail and bike lanes built on Lower Roswell from the Fulton County Line to Johnson Ferry. Trails, Lanes and Paths are being created all over the area. The bridge is another linkage in the network.

Prior to the meeting on June 17th, the formal comments received by the NPS were 156, with 94 = yes 42 = no. Of the yes, 70 favored Bike/Ped, 11 were Ped only, and 13 were not specified. I didn’t total up the comments and supporters by Pros & Cons at the meeting, but I’d think it was about 50-50, given the response. Glancing at the sign in sheet, MANY of the attendees were from Cobb. Many of them were senior citizens.

From the on-line petition that you can sign (http://mofalls.epetitions.net/), there are 207 signatures so far (as of 6/17).

You don’t have to live in Cobb or Sandy Springs to voice your support for this…

After the introduction and background info was presented, I was the second person to stand up and speak. I introduced myself and read aloud the wording from the on-line petition. I signed the cover sheet and handed Dan Brown the hard copies of the current signatures with comments. If he takes those numbers, then the yes goes from 94 to 301, with 277 = yes for Bike/Ped.

The NPS presented four Alternatives:

1. No Action
2. Bike/Ped Access
3. Modified Bike Access (cyclists would have to dismount along the Hyde Farm entrance road and the old farm road connecting to the lower fields. About 1/3 of a mile.). I was told that this could satisfy some of the historian people, wanting to retain the natural farm setting.
4. Ped Access Only

Alternatives 2, 3 & 4 include connecting trails to old farm road and Johnson Ferry North (end of parking lot across from Columns Drive). Alternatives 2 & 3 surfaced with 8’ – 10’ crushed aggregate. Alternative 4 had the connecting trail improved with 4’ – 6’ wide natural surface.

See the below attached document for details of the Alternatives.

Map of Plan Area:
http://sandyspringsconservancy.org/pdf/MorganFallsBr_ZoomedOut_042109.pdf

However, it’s a long road to the end:

1. The public has until July 16th to provide feedback
Send an e-mail to: chat_superintendent@nps.gov

go online: http://tinyurl.com/mtaxuf

2. If they find serious environmental impacts during the study (see below for EA info), a formal and detailed EIS - Environmental Impact Statement must be produced (very time consuming, If an EIS were to happen, I’d think they would not get further in the process until at least this winter).

3. Next, they’ll write up the Draft EA - Environmental Assessment, detailing the alternatives.

4. Once that’s done, they’ll hold ANOTHER public meeting to present the Draft EA– (if no EIS, this would probably be in the fall).

5. Then another 30 day comment period.

6. Then a DECISION by the NPS.

7. Then, unless there are any NEW and substantial issues discovered (e.g.: When they were trying to extend GA-400 Inside the Perimeter, a local group claimed that there was some type of endangered owl species, etc.), the NPS will issue a “FONSI”: Finding Of No Significant Impact.

Got all that? Are you enjoying this?

Even with a FONSI, there are no dedicated capital funds to build it. At the April meeting, Dan Brown said the bridge would cost around 1 Million (I think), and that he would try to get 50% from Federal funds and the balance from Sandy Springs and Cobb. (I’d think if Cobb said no, Sandy Springs and other groups would find the money).

More info on what an EA is, what the study scope is, etc can be found at: http://sandyspringsconservancy.org/index.php

Bottom Lines: The bridge is a micro example of the level of difficulty in attaining macro CONNECTIVITY of bicycling and pedestrian access in the region. We must remain actively engaged, spread the word and voice our support if we want to see this happen.

Have a great day,

Joe Seconder
What an exciting time to learn about all of these things and be engaged!!