SL greenway project stalled after concerns

Neighborhood reaction has taken the air out of the tires of the second phase of the Grand River Greenway. Following an hour-long standing-room-only trolley tour with Village Council members Monday, Ann Street and other area neighbors continued to voice concerns about the project. They said they're concerned about privacy, tree loss and yard infringement of the proposed nonmotorized bike path that was slated to pick up at the end of phase 1 at Division Street and eventually continue to Leonard Road.

Marie Havenga

Spring Lake

May 3, 2011

After tabling the issue last month, Village Council on Monday unanimously voted not to pursue a $50,000 state grant to continue the second phase of the greenway. That decision, in effect, stalls the project indefinitely.

Council members said, after listening to public input, that the route needs to be better researched and defined.

Prior to the public trolley tour, neighbors had tied ribbons around trees that would likely be cut down to make way for the 10-foot path along village-owned rights of way. They also laid yellow ribbon on the ground in places to outline the footprint of the path.

Village President Bill Filber said he appreciated all of the public comment regarding the second phase of the multi-purpose path.

To read more of this story, see today’s print edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.