FAQs

What is the easement acquisition process?: Requests to grant easements will be mailed in June.

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Lohr Textile Greenway

1. Why is the pathway on the east side of the road?: There is more right of way and fewer roads to cross on the east side.

2. Is there any airport impact?: We are currently coordinating with the City of Ann Arbor.

3. Why not just widen the shoulders?: This was considered, but it is not ideal from a safety standpoint. Separation from the road is desired for non-motorized pathways in order to accommodate all forms of non-motorized travel.

4. Why not sidewalks instead?: Sidewalks do not qualify for funding and are not consistent with the township master plan.

5. Was there a study conducted concerning number of users?: No, no study has been completed to date.

6. Are township tree mitigation funds available?: Depending on impact to existing trees, the tree mitigation fund may be considered.

7. What about security concerns?: Security concerns are currently being reviewed by the Planning Department and the Department of Public Safety.

8. Who will handle trash and maintenance?: The Pittsfield Township Parks and Recreation Department.

10. What are the locations of the future paths per the master plan?: We are currently drafting a non-motorized plan as part of the 2010 Pittsfield plan. The intent is to create a pathway network that will connect residents to jobs, shopping, and recreational opportunities (like the township parks). Phase 2 of the Lohr Textile Greenway is planned to connect to Marshview Meadows Park east of State Road on Textile Road.

There are a number of reasons Lohr Road was selected over Maple Road:

Lohr Road is closer to more residential developments in the Township, adding to the number who can easily access the pathway

There was a shorter distance on this route to connect with existing pedestrian facilities

12. The Platt Road Greenway is close to some houses, have you had any complaints?: We have not received any complaints.

13. What are the differences between easements versus right-of-way?: Public utility easements are granted for gas, phone, cable, etc. Right-of-way was dedicated to the Washtenaw County Road Commission. Easements have different ownership than right-of-way.

14. What are the funding sources and their amounts for the pathway?: The township was granted $300,000 in 2010. We are applying for an additional $300,000 for 2011. This funding was received from the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Connecting Communities grant.

15. What is the easement acquisition process?: Requests to grant easements will be mailed in June.

16. What about walls, trees, and screening options?: The Washtenaw County Road Commission cannot guarantee trees planted in the right-of-way will not be removed in the future. However, trees planted between the pathway and right-of-way are highly unlikely to be removed in the future.

17. Who has liability?: This path is considered a linear park within the township Parks and Recreation system. Liability protection is the same on the pathway as in any of the township parks.

18. Will there be another meeting in the future?: Yes, a follow up meeting with homeowners will be scheduled after the township has collected comments and concerns.

20. What are the utility impacts?: There are no planned water shut offs. There may need to be an electrical shutdown if any utility poles are relocated.

21. Why is the pathway on the south side of Textile Road instead of on the north side of Textile Road from Lohr Road to the Saline Recreation Center?: The most important reason the pathway is on the south side of Textile Road (from Lohr Road to the Recreation Center) is because the crossing at the Lohr / Textile intersection (a four-way stop) is the safest pedestrian crossing available.

In addition to safety, placing the pathway on the north side of Textile Road would require crossing an additional drive that does not need to be crossed if the pathway is placed on the south side of Textile Road. In both situations one easement would be required to accommodate the pathway.