The non-profit East Decatur Greenway has proposed cleaning and opening up a roughly 25-yard cut-through in Avondale Estates linking Exeter Road to Forrest Boulevard/Craigie Avenue.
EDG is asking to build either an opening or gate in an old fence next to Forrest/Craigie. That would allow pedestrians and cyclists to exit Avondale Estates at Exeter, turn right on Craigie, which leads directly to the new EDG/PATH trail a half mile away along Katie Kerr Drive.
EDG Director Michele Ritan gave a presentation to Avondale commissioners during a June work session, but her idea wasn’t popular with residents who showed up. Many said they feared crime and other mischief from “outsiders” cutting through the city.
“I counted seven against and four in favor [during the work session],” Mayor Jonathan Elmore said. “Then two more came up to me at the pool and said they weren’t in favor. In any case we are not going to do anything until we get more feedback from the community.”
Elmore said the plan gets further discussion during a work session, 5:30 p.m. July 19 at City Hall, 21 North Avondale Plaza The commission may vote on the project during it’s regular meeting on July 24.
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