Town to Consider Idea of Multi-Use Path Rather Than Sidewalk Next to Commercial Development on Lawton Road

At its meeting Wednesday, the Board of Selectmen will discuss the idea of a shared-use trail, rather than sidewalk, along Lawton Road next to a new development area.

The change would facilitate continuation of the Farmington River Trail. Designed to be a full loop to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, it now runs from Farmington to the side of on Route 44. Officials eventually hope to complete it through the rest of Canton and Simsbury. (See the general route here).

Although Konover Development Corp. of Farmington originally suggested building such a path on its property on either side of Lawton Road, logistical snares led to a sidewalk being part of the plan approved by the Zoning Commission last year.

However, Konover has again proposed to the Economic Development Agency and the town the idea of a multi-use path, rather than sidewalk, on the east side of Lawton Road, according to town documents.

The town would have to file a revised plan since it would own the trail easement but the property owner is willing to build it, the documents state. Town officials have also discussed the idea of extending it next to the neighboring Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

While the existing rail bed starts on the opposite side of Lawton Road, there are several challenges to using the bed for the path to Simsbury, including some ownership and right-of-way issues and the location of at least one house on the trail itself.  

While advocates say some town- and state-owned land, along with the possibility of roadside trails, makes the idea feasible, the town does not currently have a study detailing the best way to proceed or which side of Lawton Road would be the best place to continue the trail, Town Planner Neil Pade stated in a memo to Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner.

Having the developer build a path rather than sidewalk next to the “CVS Plaza” would complete a portion of it at no cost to the town, Pade stated.  A sidewalk also does not allow for cyclists, Pade stated.

However, there could be some downsides to a path over the sidewalk, Pade stated.

The sidewalk was to be five feet wide while a path would be 8 feet and required about three feet of clear zones on either side. The additional width could require thinning planned landscaping along the road, Pade stated. However, some changes in the trajectory of the path and additional grass planting could minimize any impact, according to the memo.

Despite the concerns, the Zoning Commission believes the ideas is worth looking at and is considered holding a public hearing on July 18. The hearing is not required but would allow the public to provide input, Pade wrote.

The issue could be taken off the commission’s agenda if selectmen do not support the idea. 

Selectmen meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday and will also further discuss applying for a grant for the hydro project as well as a proposed ordinance that would ban most motorized vessels on the Farmington River. 

Click HERE to view the complete agenda.