The cost has gone up and the neighbors aren’t happy, but the City Council has chosen its path. It will cross Fryer Creek over a new bicycle bridge at Newcomb Street.
“It’s not an easy decision but it’s one that offers the greatest good for the most people,” said Councilor Steve Barbose. “It’s the best decision for the town.”
The 6-foot wide bridge will cost $180,000 to build, and costs for design, permits and environmental reviews could push the total closer to $250,000.
A new bridge to connect existing bike paths on either side of Fryer Creek south of MacArthur Street West was a priority in the Sonoma Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan, adopted in 2008.
The consensus at that time identified Newcomb Street as the best option to provide convenient bicycle and pedestrian access between neighborhoods. It is also the most direct route for middle school and high school students
Unlike the previous council meeting, where bicycle advocates were conspicuously absent, proponents were out in force Wednesday night. Of the 25 people who spoke, about half were in favor of the Newcomb site, reiterating its importance in creating a general bike-path loop around the city.
Those speaking out against the placement were primarily neighbors of the bridge’s eastern access. Safety remains the main concern. Newcomb Street narrows to a dead end, beyond which are residential driveways that would align with the bridge approach. Cars using those driveways could endanger cyclists and walkers.
Bill Foley, an owner of a home adjacent to the site, pointed out “the two parallel conversations” taking place before the council. One, a general endorsement for biking as healthy and eco-friendly, and the other a specific examination of the bridge location.
“We’re not obstructionists,” he said. “From a practical standpoint, from a safety standpoint, the bridge is redundant and unnecessary. And its effects will fall on us, not the people passing through.”
Foley told The Sun he is considering legal options to halt the project. He said he does not have much faith in the council’s promise to include him and his neighbors in the next phase of design.
City Planner David Goodison stressed that all project activity will take place within the city’s right of way. Still, said Maryanne Foley, it would effectively block safe vehicle access to her property’s driveway, second unit and septic tank.
In September, city staff put at the estimated cost at about $100,000. Since then, a closer study of Newcomb Street traffic necessitated additions such as a partial sidewalk.
There will be no impact on the city’s general fund. The council had previously allocated $280,000 in Community Development Agency bond proceeds for bicycle improvements.
