Solvang thought to be most difficult section of proposed path from Buellton to Camp 4 site
In a further step toward the Santa Ynez Valley Community Connector trail, more familiarly known as the River Trail, the Solvang City Council approved a $30,000 payment to help find pathways and connectors through the project’s segment through Solvang during the council’s regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 24.
The River Trail project proposes the development of a 10-mile Class I multi-use path connecting Camp 4, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (SYBCI) Reservation, Santa Ynez, Solvang, and Buellton
SBCAG requested a $30,000 contribution from Solvang to support the regional planning phase. City staff strongly recommends participating in this valley-wide effort, as the project aligns with the City’s Active Transportation Plan and General Plan goals to enhance multimodal connectivity for residents and visitors. 30% Conceptual Design and Public Outreach The 30% Conceptual Design will include:
• Engineering and surveys to meet design objectives
• Development of corridor strip maps and segment design options
• Typical cross-sections and right-of-way impact analysis
• Identification of ADA requirements, utilities, and structural needs
• Project cost estimates by segment and overall
After giving the item report, Solvang Public Works Director Bridget Paris introduced Michael Becker of SBCAG, who gave a presentation on the River Trail and Solvang’s role in it.
Becker began by describing the trail as something that can be a transportation resource, recreation resource, and tourist attraction. Becker recalled a personal observation that brought about the idea of a trail while staying at Buellton’s Flying Flags RV Park with his family for his daughter’s birthday.
“While were there, I saw all these RVs with bicycles attached to them, and I figured every one of them went to Solvang at one point while they were there,” he said. “And I thought ‘wouldn’t it be great if they could go there and back on bicycle.’”
Becker said the $30,000 would give Solvang “some skin in the game,” to find some solutions.
During council questions, Councilmember Mark Infanti asked how they would go about finding connectors and paths through Solvang.
“The biggest question for Solvang: any path has to go through city streets, $30,000 is nice, but it’s going to cost a bloody fortune. How do we work on that?” Infanti said.
Councilmember Elizabeth Orona brought up grants sought by Solvang in the past that were rejected, and asked why there was trouble getting them.
“The problem with that is the state program where we would get most of our money focuses on disadvantage communities, and this area doesn’t have many disadvantaged communities,” Becker said.
During Public Comment on the item, two people spoke.
Dennis Beebe noted that talk on the project is focused on constructions costs, but no one is talking about who’s going to do maintenance once the project is done.
And Mike Hecker, who is a “life-long” bicycle rider and said he is very much in demand as a bicycle race announcer, strongly advocated for the project to encourage bike riding.
“In my travels as an announcer, I see outstanding, beautiful bike paths — all sorts of people enjoying them,” he said. “The reason we don’t have kids riding bikes here is there’s no infrastructure. We’re here in Solvang, the Danish capital of the U.S., and we have 50% of people in Copenhagen — your sister city! — commuting solely by bike. Embrace the bicycle, like Denmark. Stop jabbering!”
When the item went back to council, Mayor David Brown asked City Manager Randy Murphy if there were funds available, and Murphy assured that their were.
With that, Elizabeth Orona moved to approve the funding, with Claudia Orona seconding. The motion passed unanimously.
The City Council will meet next on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m. It will be the last meeting of the year, as there will be none on Dec. 22.
