At a Planning Commission meeting earlier this month, city consultant Ron Williamson presented a report noting that the city had identified Nall Avenue as a superior location for the trail route. The city of Mission has already built a trail along the stretch of Nall within its city limits and Overland Park has committed to supporting a trail along Nall within its borders.
But news of the possible amendment to the Parks Master Plan — which was adopted in 2009 and included a schematic naming Roe as the trail site — is not sitting will with many neighborhood homeowners. A group of local residents has been circulating a packet of information encouraging neighbors to oppose the Nall trail. A letter in the packet labeled “Neighborhood Alert” outlines the group’s concerns. (Download the packet here).
“It would involve spending thousands of tax dollars not only on the raw materials to construct the path, but to replace existing sidewalks, cut down mature trees, tear out existing landscaping, wall and fences, and move utility poles, street lamps and traffic lights,” the letter reads. “Protect your home’s value! There is no way to implement this path on Nall without significantly — and negatively — impacting the landscape and homes along the street.”
A memorandum prepared for the City Council by Assistant to the City Administrator Chris Engel notes that the city has receive concerned inquires from Nall residents, but that “many of the concerns appear to be related to the general lack of information concerning a Nall Trail.”
The City Council is scheduled to discuss the matter at the Council of the Whole meeting which convenes in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 6 p.m.
