We attended the latest construction meeting for the Rail to Trail project on September 7, 2000. There was not too much that is new, so we will keep this update short.

• Henshue Construction and GAS (the supervising engineering firm) feel that progress is satisfactory. Stone/gravel work has begun south of the Beltline; grading and earth moving is well advanced to Midvale and from Midvale to Odana; clearing and brushing has reached Commonwealth Avenue.

• We can expect grading and earthmoving to begin any time in our neighborhood (i.e., north and east of Odana). Henshue may "jump around" and will not necessarily continue to work sequentially south to north.

• Aaron Palmer of GAS has responded to quite a number of queries, requests or complaints from property owners along the corridor. In many cases, slight alterations in the plans have made it possible to save trees or otherwise lessen the impact on abutting neighbors. In a few cases, such adjustments have NOT been possible, and in those cases he has found the neighbors understanding. We (Paul and Kurt) wish to confirm from our perspective that Aaron has worked VERY hard to respond to our neighbors and has been as accommodating as is possible. We very much appreciate this, as does, we think, the neighborhood as a whole!

• An interesting tidbit: Henshue Construction is bound by the contract to finish the job in 90 days of work. If they don't they will need to pay a fine.

• Erosion and drainage control at the crossing from Virginia Terrace to Sheldon/Fox have been significant problems for many years. It is expected that the construction of the ramps there, re-engineering of the south bank, and pipes and ditching in the plans, will allay these problems. Drainage into yards south of the tracks should be much less of a problem.

• Aaron will consult with Tony Fernandez (now with City Engineering) about several specific erosion control situations (including a displaced retaining wall at 2926 Gregory Street). They will deal with these cases on an individual basis in close consultation with neighbors whose yards abut the right of way.

• Henshue and GAS will move soon to plan and begin the work of reconstruction of the underpass (the "cowpass") between Hillington Green and Fox Avenue.

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Last Modified: 03-Feb-08 05:53 PM

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