Greenline Update
Here's the latest word from the Greater Memphis Greenline's Bob Schreiber:
Since the negotiation period ended this past Monday, hopefully we'll hear some good news soon.
For those inclined, here's the decision that extended the negotiating period and my earlier recap of the issues.
Our negotiating team again just recently met with a senior representative of CSX, in preparation for a final sale at a fair price. The CSX negotiators agreed that the best use of the space is for a trail. This is a large step forward for us. On the other hand, the value of the land is still a major sticking point. At the moment, there is a quiet period in negotiations which ends June 22. We will continue to put updates as they come available on our website, www.greatermemphisgreenline.orgCSX is clearing a swath in order to make room for their very large machine which pulls up their track. They have a senior arborist as a part of their crew, and they promise that they will take as few of the larger trees as they can.
They are starting on the North side of Shelby Farms, and will work their way West. They hope it should take no more than three months to have the entire line cleared. We hope to have completed the purchase by then, and have it given to the county, which will then issue the Memorandum of Understanding to us. There is a second machine which we hope to have in place as soon as possible which grinds up the gravel underlayment, crushes it, and tamps it down...and we have a useable trail. As soon as it is legal, we will begin scheduling cleanup days!
Since the negotiation period ended this past Monday, hopefully we'll hear some good news soon.
For those inclined, here's the decision that extended the negotiating period and my earlier recap of the issues.
Labels: environment, Greening Greater Memphis, Greenline, Memphis
posted by gatesofmemphis at 12:04 AM
12 Comments:
That's great news!
They've pulled the track at highland as of last week.
This is great to hear, good job to everyone working on this project.
That's a thousand different kinds of awesome :)
Do we know what if any plans there are regarding the bridge I'm crossing in that photo? Not that I don't enjoy the precariousness of it all, but I'm sure there are some folks who might want to bike the thing (or who are just balance beam averse)!
that is exactly what i was wondering. the bridge is in excellent condition considering it hasn't had any maintenance for the past however many years. but still not the easiest to run or bike across.
Justin, Bob said, and I quote, "thinking..." It will be the crown jewel of the Greenline and the "ohmygod" moment for first time crossers, so worth all the thinking they do. I would think it would also be the greatest outlay other than the purchase itself.
Nathan, it looked like someone had set it on fire when I saw it last year. A problem that requires a solution.
Gregg, thanks for that update. Very far along if they started at Shelby Farms.
I agree that it's worth careful consideration and it's not the sort of thing I'd want them to rush... crossing the river that way is already such an OMG moment (for all the right reasons) that it really is the sort of thing you'd want make sure you got right. I was just hoping to get a little scoop on their plans if you had anything :)
I'm guessing that they'll be able to (or more to the point have to) keep the concrete abutments and probably the steel undercarriage. I'm also guessing that you're right that the surface and safety portions of bridge (which extend well to either side of the river itself) will likely be the most expensive thing they have to do. I can't wait to see what they come up with.
Also, since I didn't come right out and say it last time: Thanks for the update!
More things right with Memphis! Thanks for the update!
a good example of greenline development is in the vollentine-evergreen district. while it seems to me to be on a little bit smaller scale (ie. neighborhood involvement more than city money), the reclamation of this part of the line has been amazing over the last decade.
as for the bridge, the foot bridge crossing over lick creek watershed, between n. evergreen and auburndale, is a beautiful example of what could be done over the wolf.
the VECA greenline is a great community amenity and common space.
unfortunately, attempted rape/robbery is all most of Memphis will see of the veca greenline.
Great news for the Greater Memphis Greenline! The rails and ties are gone... from Holmes Road all the way to and extending past the I-240 underpass. The tracks, signals and stablizing pieces are still in place at all the intersections, but other than the road intersections, the rails and ties have been removed. Pictures will be posted soon.
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