I read with interest Joe Kirby's commentary March 21 about the pedestrian/bicycle bridge at Morgan Falls being proposed by the National Park Service. He did a good job capturing the sentiment of those on the Cobb side who are opposed to the NPS proposal.
However, I feel that there is additional information regarding this process that is underway that is important to the discussion.
Not only has Cobb County not committed any funds toward this proposal, it is far from a sure thing that it ever will. NPS is currently conducting an environmental assessment - which is a requirement on any project like this - on several options they developed as a result of public hearings held during 2009. One of those options is to not build the bridge at all. Once the environmental assessments are complete, there will be more public meetings to discuss the results.
I have publicly stated my opposition to the bridge proposal. As a member of the Cobb County Commission, I hope to influence the outcome.
However, I nor any other Commissioner can control it since neither end of the proposed bridge will sit on Cobb County-owned land.
I am sensitive to the need for more bicycle trails in the east Cobb area. To this end, I have been working with the Cobb Parks and Recreation Department and local bicycle groups to find other locations to address those needs. This will allow us to provide more appropriate facilities for cyclists and will also lessen the impact on areas like Columns Drive.
We have also been meeting with officials from the University of Georgia and the NPS to properly manage and protect Hyde Farm. This coordination of efforts should enable us to preserve this prized historical asset for the education and enjoyment of our citizens without spending large amounts of county funds.
At this point no formal or informal request for funds has been made to the county for construction of a bridge. And the fact that this process is ongoing should not be interpreted to mean that the county is considering a bridge at Morgan Falls.
Bob Ott
East Cobb
Editor's note: Bob Ott represents lower east Cobb on the Cobb Board of Commissioners.
Follow us on Twitter!
The stretch along Atlanta Rd. as it stands now is an uncared for cement-chain-link fence along the Dobbins-Lockheed sites. What if some money was used to WIDEN the path- beautfy it w/ some fencing, trelises, plantings & ARTWORK- call it 'A TRAIL of TWO CITIES' & make it so amazing it pulls ALL the bikers off Columns Drive!
Just a dream!