10-Year Plan for AT Connector Trail Articulated by ACES Chairman Justin Proctor at Town Council Work Session

Two years have elapsed since the Town Council voted to cover the cost of a feasibility study for the AT connector trail that the Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) has been striving to bring closer to reality. The proposed trail is born foremost out of a desire for pedestrian safety, as currently the pedestrian traffic between the Appalachian Trail and Front Royal, covering three miles, runs so closely parallel to Route 522 that those walking alongside it are exposed to danger. The feasibility study was completed earlier this year, and at the council’s August 10 work session, ACES chairman Justin Proctor, a conservation biologist, spoke to the council about the 10-year timeframe he sees for the initial pedestrian-access stage of this project to come to fruition.

The Town Council met for a work session on August 10. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh

Proctor emphasized the need for legal support going forward, as developments will involve memorandums of understanding, right-of-way easements, and a need for guidance as critical next steps unfold. He also outlined key features of the bridges that will need to be built. The bridges, he explained, are partly what makes the project more expensive. They will cross Happy Creek at several points, meeting height requirements to clear the floodplain. Also, not only is height a consideration, but also width, especially in the case that a vehicle needs to cross in a medical emergency. Asked how much he thinks the project will cost, Proctor highballed it at 3.8 million while expressing optimism that the cost could be reduced to 1.2 million. “Anything can happen,” he told the Royal Examiner.

Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (ACES), Justin Proctor, presented to the council on a 10-year plan for the AT connector trail.

Planning Director Lauren Kopishke presented to the council a proposed ordinance for outdoor dining.

ACES, in so many ways the glue that holds the community together, sees this connector trail as an opportunity for collaboration. Youth organizations could adopt a section of the trail to beautify and maintain. Not only would it provide connectivity with the AT, but also the Smithsonian, 4-H, and other vital resources that could benefit from walkability. For now, bikes and horses are not part of the equation. Pedestrian access is the first step. Perhaps in a larger timeframe, Proctor said, some of those other uses could come into play. But for now, the safety of those walking that 3-mile stretch is the focus. It is a possibility that could lead to increased recreation, more tourism dollars, and a framework for future stakeholder collaboration. From Criser Road to the AT crossing, this project promises to be a win-win for the community.

Purchasing Manager Michelle Campbell addressed the council regarding several possible acquisitions.

Later at the council work session, Purchasing Manager Michelle Campbell presented three items for consideration that the mayor directed to the consent agenda for the August 24 regular meeting: a replacement truck for the public works concrete crew, a replacement refuse truck for public works solid waste, and a replacement camera system for public works sewer camera truck. Also, Town Manager Joseph Petty explained where the Joint Towing Board is in terms of keeping the same players who have served in the past, while emphasizing that there is a citizen representative position open to any citizen, from the town or county, who would like to get involved in local government. After revisiting old business, during which a consensus emerged that the code requires revision to define outdoor dining as an accessory use, the council adjourned.