Segment of bike trail set to be finished in early 2010

Pathway would make it easier for pedestrians to get around.

Kim Myers (left) and Lora Albright, of Brumbaugh Constuction, are working on a multi-purpose path for bikers and joggers being built on Hempstead Station Drive in Kettering. This path link, that is being added, is about 3,000 feet.

Ron Alvey Kim Myers (left) and Lora Albright, of Brumbaugh Constuction, are working on a multi-purpose path for bikers and joggers being built on Hempstead Station Drive in Kettering. This path link, that is being added, is about 3,000 feet.

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By Steve Bennish, Staff Writer 10:24 PM Sunday, November 22, 2009

KETTERING — An important leg of the Iron Horse bike trail that will conveniently connect residents to a U.S. Post Office facility, a Meijer, numerous eateries and a Dayton Metro Library branch is under construction and should be finished by February.

The 10-foot-wide multi-use trail is being built on right of way on the western side of Hempstead Station Drive and travels from David Road north to Stroop Road and then turns east to finish at Stroop and Wilmington Pike.

The concrete pathway segment will be 3,000 feet long and offer more ways for people to get around than climbing into a motor vehicle, said Joe Roller, landscape architect for the city of Kettering.

To clear the way for the $280,000 project, the city cut down ornamental trees along the route. A decision on whether to replace them is pending, Roller said.

Coincidentally, Meijer has taken down ash trees on the opposite side of the road. The trees are not now infested with the ash borer, Roller said, so the tree removal is a preventive move.

The trees on Meijer property are being replaced with honey locusts and pear trees.

The trail work is being undertaken by contractor Brumbaugh Construction of Arcanum, Roller said, and is being funded in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Kettering is seeking state grants to push the trail north along abandoned railway right-of-way to the city’s Jane Newcom Park and to Delco Park.

Ultimately, a trail separate from motorized vehicle traffic could connect Kettering and other southern suburbs to the University of Dayton campus and from there, to the trail network that runs throughout the region.

Mary Beth Thaman, Kettering director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, said grant applications to improve trails and acquire right-of-way will be submitted to the state by Feb. 1. 2010.

“We’re moving along,” she said. The city aims “to connect business centers together.”

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Come on people. Bike trails "might" be fun but when so many are out of work and roads in bad shape and they spend money on a bike trail? Geez, lets use the money sensibly. For things that actually do need fixed not enhanced! That can come whenever IF ever Dayton turns around. Right now, we need to use these tax dollars for things that are really needed. I sure don't need to have another tax increase because of the stupidity of more trees, trails and not needed at this crucial time.

reader
3:04 PM, 11/23/2009

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Bike trails are wonderful and I am all for it, but this trail currently leads nowhere! Poor planning and execution - moving fire hydrants, killing trees. If it had to be done, the other side of the street seems like a smarter idea. Govt. and tax dollars at work-doing things the wrong way as usual with my money and no one to discuss the matter with. Riding my bike 3,000 ft. - wow, that is a good ride- NOT.How am I even going to get on the trail besides going thru traffic and then to go where?

Kettering
1:45 PM, 11/23/2009

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I'm all for the bicycle trail system. I ride over 2000 miles a year, quite a bit of it on local trails - I also ride the Iron Horse just about daily during my bicycle commute. I appreciate what Kettering is doing, HOWEVER, per my previous post ("complaint") - Kettering needs to do a better job of making sure the trail design does not cause safety problems. Hitting a pole or sliding out in a 90-degree turn is not what I want to have ANYONE experience.

spinnies
12:45 PM, 11/23/2009

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Reply to reader:

If you had "read" the story, it is Meijer that is cutting down trees and replacing them on their own property. It was only mentioned in this story because of the coincedence of the Meijer trees being cut down at the same time as the City of Kettering trees on the opposite side of the road being removed for this trail project.

I say add as many more of these types of biking and walking trails as possible, it only enhances life for everyone to have fewer people driving.

kettering mom
12:13 PM, 11/23/2009

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The bike paths are wonderfully safe for the most part. The only area I've had a problem was yesterday near Xenia - those apartments where the Bob Evan's used to be. Right as I passed a group of kids walking,(riding with my 8yo son, no less), one leaned in to me and screamed in my ear. If I'd had my pepper spray I would have used it. They do need to keep an eye on that area. I'm glad to hear of more paths being made available. I'd love to have more that connect from/to this area.

reader & rider
12:10 PM, 11/23/2009

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