Towpath Trail Extension

Alignment and Design Study: Page Four

Implementation and Phasing Overview
As each section of the Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga County has been completed over the past ten years, public expectations for the completion of the trail to downtown Cleveland and the lakefront have grown. This project represents the final link, and the groundwork for implementation is well underway. Public agencies are integrating the trail into public improvement and redevelopment projects, partnerships are emerging, and the private sector has begun to respond with development projects.

A diverse constituency has endorsed the project as an important recreational, neighborhood revitalization, and quality of life amenity for the metropolitan area, including Cuyahoga County, City of Cleveland, Cleveland Metroparks, National Park Service, Ohio Canal Corridor, Ohio & Erie Canal Association, various local development corporations and nonprofit organizations, and the Greater Cleveland Real Estate Organizations, an umbrella entity representing fourteen real estate industry groups. A recent article by Plain Dealer columnist Joe Frolik, as part of that newspaper's continuing "A Quiet Crisis" series, noted that "the old towpath promises to become a cornerstone attraction for the young professionals and entrepreneurs this region needs to attract-and a model of cooperation for leaders in and out of government."

It is anticipated that creative partnering will be the vehicle for implementation, and that the specifics of these partnerships will evolve as the project moves forward. Implementation will involve a series of distinct activities including securing property, acquiring funding, final design and construction documents, construction, operation and maintenance, community involvement, and stewardship. The roles of the various partners will evolve and change over time and in response to the specific circumstances of each project. Consequently, a central group to coordinate, advocate and in some cases initiate various activities will be utilized.

It is recognized that implementation will need to be phased over time, estimated at three to six years. The rate of progress will primarily depend upon property assemblage, the securing of financial resources, and construction timetables.

Securing Property
Although a significant portion of the trail and linear "ribbon" is within public or institutional control, some parcels are in private ownership. The primary objective will be to work with all property owners in a cooperative manner to secure land donations or easements that will enable public access through properties via the multi-purpose trail. Additionally, cooperation will be sought with property owners to conserve and protect associated natural features. Efforts will be made to eliminate or minimize the need for land purchases.

Based upon the positive discussions with property owners, it is anticipated that the preferred alignments can be implemented as illustrated in this study. The trail alignments do not require the relocation of any existing businesses or housing.

A nonprofit organization partner(s) will be utilized to facilitate tax considerations for property owners. It is anticipated that title to property needed for the trail will be held by Cuyahoga County.

Funding
To date, funds from public agencies, foundations, and nonprofit organizations have been utilized for the project. Due to the project cost, it is assumed that multiple funding sources will be required to realize the full vision of this plan. For example, some aspects of the project may be most effectively served through use of funds from specific state or federal sources. Other components may be able to be completed through the ongoing capital improvement programs of the Cuyahoga County Engineer or City of Cleveland, or funding sources available through the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA). Finally, as multiple projects begin to be implemented simultaneously, such as the main trail, neighborhood trail connections, and supplemental projects, it will be desirable to strategically coordinate the various funding requests.

Construction
The Cuyahoga County Engineer's Office will oversee construction document preparation, bidding, and construction. Actual construction is likely to occur over several construction seasons. Once construction is complete, the Engineer's Office will transfer day-to-day operation and maintenance responsibilities to another entity.

Operation and Maintenance
Early in the planning process for trail construction, the selection of the organization(s) that will operate and maintain the trail network should be made. A prompt commitment for day-to-day responsibilities will enable the management entity to begin coordination with the Cuyahoga County Engineer's Office at the earliest possible time.

There are several entities that could be considered for all or part of this role. For example, several of the local partners, such as Cleveland Metroparks, National Park Service, City of Cleveland, ParkWorks, and Ohio Canal Corridor currently operate and/or manage public use recreational facilities and open space in the metropolitan area.

Community Support
Many organizations and agencies have been very active in promoting the heritage corridor concept and working for its protection and improvement, dating back to the 1980's. Over the years, the number of organizational and individual supporters has grown steadily, creating a network of effective advocates for community involvement, education programs, interpretive opportunities, and physical improvement projects on behalf of the heritage corridor.

There is also substantial support for the broader goal of rediscovering the river and lakefront in Greater Cleveland. Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago recently asserted that there is only one significant difference between his city and Cleveland: "Chicago embraced the lakefront and river, and Cleveland turned its back to them." In response, the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2002 authored an article outlining their views on economic development strategies for the metropolitan area, noting the importance of "bike paths, beaches and open space along Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. Our water can attract tourism, and it can be a driver of business. Our water will-with Northeast Ohioans' support-bring new life to this region."

This continued effort and support at all levels remains crucial for the realization of the Towpath Trail Extension and supplemental projects.

Stewardship
The Towpath Trail Extension project area is brimming with distinctive cultural and natural resources. The stewardship of these resources will be critical to the ongoing success of the Towpath Trail as a heritage, recreational, and environmental amenity.

The Environmental Regeneration section of the study offers solutions for addressing many of the environmental issues of the area. These strategies can improve areas intended to remain as open space and be used in coordination with development projects. In turn, environmental regeneration should be one of the ongoing interpretive themes for the valley.

Although environmental regulations exist at the state and federal levels through agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency, local initiatives, particularly within the City of Cleveland, will have a major influence on the future of the natural and built environments in the project area and adjacent neighborhoods. Existing or future ordinances, programs, and guidelines need to address issues such as protection of environmentally sensitive areas, retention of neighborhood character, and encouragement of economic development in a manner compatible with both the neighborhoods and the natural environment.