Bluff Connector Trail Study - Stakeholder Meeting #2

Notice of Stakeholder Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the City of White Salmon will hold a public stakeholder meeting regarding the White Salmon Bluff Connector Trail on November 14, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The meeting will take place in person at the City Council Chambers in the White Salmon Fire Hall (119 NE Church, White Salmon, WA) and will also be available via teleconference.

• Date: November 14, 2024
• Time: 5:00 to 7:00 PM
• Location: City's Council Chambers 119 NE Church Ave, White Salmon, WA 98672
• Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82756081141
• Zoom Meeting ID: 827 5608 1141
• Call-in Number: +1 (253) 215-8782 US (Tacoma)

Don't miss out on this important discussion!

The City of White Salmon is collaborating with a project team from Harper Houf Peterson Righellis (HHPR) and Columbia West Engineering to analyze and develop a trail connection from SR 14 to SR 141. The project site, approximately 0.19 miles in length, is situated on a steep, rocky hillside and is adjacent to private properties at several points. The trail segment will connect the City of White Salmon, located on the bluff above the Columbia River, to pedestrian routes along the waterfront, SR 14, and neighboring cities. See more details in the supporting document attached.

Agenda Items

1. Call to Order
2. Welcome and Introductions
3. Information Sharing and Discussion
   1. Project Status Update
   2. Discussion of Public Comments
   3. Opportunities and Constraints
   4. Review Preliminary Design Concepts
4. Questions and Comments
5. Next Steps
6. Adjournment

Background

Stakeholder Meeting #1

At the last stakeholder meeting (Stakeholder Meeting #1, September 12, 2024), HHPR introduced the Bluff Connector Trail Study and provided a presentation that reviewed the project purpose, background information, design process, and key considerations. To ensure that diverse community interests and perspectives are incorporated, the project team held discussion based on the key study considerations to obtain guidance from stakeholders to better understand existing site conditions and identify opportunities and constraints. Stakeholder Meeting #1 introduced the project to participants and identified key issues that needed to be addressed, including:

• Pedestrian mobility,
• Walkability as an alternative means of transportation,
• Obstacles that impede the creation of a fully integrated trail network
• Wildfire mitigation efforts,
• Design compatibility issues, and
• Conflicts with the interests of adjacent neighbors

Community Open House

In order to gather additional input from the public, a community open house was held on October 10, 2024. This event was an informal format using informational presentation boards with the project team available to answer any questions from the public. The open house was held both in-person (at the City Council Chambers) and virtually through the City’s project webpage. An online comment form was made available at the in-person event and virtually for the community to leave their questions or comments for review and consideration. The online comment form will remain open on the virtual open house webpage for additional input throughout the course of the study.

Additional Materials

Please refer to the images attached below to view the Opportunities and Constraints diagram and the proposed trail alignment developed based on public comments received, State, and local requirements. PowerPoint presentation slides will be available after Stakeholder Meeting #2, which will include a summary of public comments, FAQs, and additional information on the conceptual design.

Discussion Topics

Currently, the project team has facilitated one stakeholder meeting to introduce the study and gather stakeholder input, along with a community open house to gather public feedback. At Stakeholder Meeting #2, the project team will provide an overview of public comments received to date from both the initial stakeholder meeting and community open house for discussion. Understanding these parameters and considerations, the project team will then present the following:

Opportunities and Constraints: Based on the existing conditions, site analysis, and public comments received, the project team will review opportunities and constraints that have been evaluated for design consideration.

Preliminary Design Concepts: HHPR has developed “50% Design” preliminary concepts that takes a look at overall trail alignment, topography, fire mitigation considerations, mobility and walkability, and have accounted for both stakeholder and public comments. These preliminary design concepts will be available for review one week prior to Stakeholder Meeting #2 on the meeting webpage.