Use public land for bicycle path
The city of Warrenville is planning to replace a bridge and build a bike path on the north side of Mack Road from the West Branch of the DuPage River to Route 59. When I attended the only public open house regarding this issue in October 2017, the city presumed that it had all of the right of way needed for this bike path. Upon closer examination and confirmed by surveys, it now appears that the trail will need to acquire easement or ownership of private property.
I would like to suggest that Warrenville design and build this trail link on the south side of Mack Road where the land is entirely owned by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
They are a proven partner in many safe and beautiful trail systems connecting people with nature and desirable destinations.
I object to a public trail that would necessitate land acquisition, five driveway crossings, and dangerous physical proximity to 40-mile-per-hour traffic on a no-shoulder, hilly road. Also, there are multiple utilities both above and below ground on the north side yet only a single underground utility exists on the south side.
Please implement this project on the south side of Mack Road. It will make for a truly enjoyable bike ride and a safer vehicular experience.
Pam Spevak
West Chicago