City Manager Bill Brock said the survey is needed as the intent of the trail is to stay on public property as much as possible to reduce the need for property acquisition. In addition, the survey is needed due to uncertain property lines regarding the former Miami & Erie Canal, the B&O railroad, Texas Eastern Pipeline and other property owners.
PHOTOS: Americana Amusement Park through the years
The majority of the trail is on public lands owned by MetroParks of Butler County, the Miami Conservancy District and Monroe’s recently acquired property that was once the former Americana Amusement Park.
He said the survey would take about 60 days to complete.
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Kevin Chesar, city development director, told council that it will take five to seven years to get all of the funding in place for the project, which he estimated will cost about $1.3 million. He also said the city will need to get the Americana property in shape for public use as there are some dilapidated buildings that need removed for safety reasons.
Mayor Robert Routson said he would like to see something done within the next two years to show residents that progress is being made.
Vice Mayor Suzi Rubin said there are volunteers with various trail organizations that might be able to assist with clearing brush along the trail route. She added that putting in gravel along the trail for people to use could cost an estimated $70,000 to $100,000.
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In related matters, council unanimously approved a motion to rename Americana Amusement Park to Bicentennial Park.
With Americana Amusement Park and LeSourdsville Lake gone, Routson said that Bicentennial Park would be a more appropriate name. The city celebrated its bicentennial this past summer.
Council members Anna Hale and Dan Clark also expressed their support of Routson’s proposal to change the name of the property
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