By Heather Lusk
After an extended negotiation, the Town of Zionsville has secured the last piece of property to make possible walking and biking between Zionsville West Middle School and the Royal Run subdivision.
“We have a verbal agreement to terms with the last private property owner,” said Lance Lantz, Zionsville superintendent of street and stormwater services.
The property is just south of Zionsville Fire Dept. Station 93. The town had already secured the right of way for the southern portion of the pathway along County Road 700 and 650.
The town plans to purchase the entire residential property for the north portion of more than two acres to complete the pathway. The future of the property is unknown.
Engineering will be completed in the near future.
“As soon as the weather breaks we hope to have this under contract,” Lantz said.
The path will be 10 feet wide, which is wider than other pedestrian paths in Zionsville.
“It’s what we’re requiring of new development,” Lantz said. “It’s the evolution of expectations for pathway dimensions.”
Lantz said that 10 feet is the minimum width required to receive federal funding, although the town will not seek such funding for this project.
The project will likely be completed during the summer, Lantz said. A gap will exist at the northeast corner of Whitestown Parkway and Royal Run Boulevard until the approved gas station is completed. Those business owners will be responsible for that portion of the path.
