On the right path

RATHDRUM - Rathdrum is hot on the trail toward expanding more pathways.

Citizen concerns about the lack of pedestrian safety in busy stretches of the town have made expansion of pathways a continual priority at City Hall.

"We don't have enough multi-purpose pathways," said Kevin Jump, the city's public works director.

The city has built pathways along stretches of Highways 41 and 53 in recent years, and the plan is to continue the momentum that will eventually complete a loop in the city.

Jump said the city will continue to explore grant funding for pathway projects. The city has spent about $80,000 per year in recent years on pathways.

Jump said pathways will be high on his budget "wish list" again during the upcoming budget cycle.

Tuesday, the city council unanimously reaffirmed with Jump that the city should continue its work on expanding pathways, especially on the west side of Meyer Road.

Four pathway priorities have been identified, including:

* The west side of Meyer between Park Rose Estates and Silverado Street

* The south side of Boekel Road between Highway 41 and Meyer

* The west side of Meyer between Boekel and Nagel Road

* The west side of Meyer between Boekel and Silverado.

The four projects would expand pathways about 2.5 miles.

One of the biggest concerns that residents have expressed to the city has been in the area of North Idaho STEM Charter Academy off Meyer. Some believe the situation will worsen as the school expands to the high-school grades.

"I'm asking the council to make sure there's adequate parking," Kathy Robson told the board.

Council member Fred Meckel said kids walking in the street near the school is commonplace.

"That freaks me out," he said.

Jump said the goal is to have a pathway connect with Majestic Park, Rathdrum's newest park in the southeast part of the city.

"These pathways provide more connectivity to that park," he said.

Jump said easements would need to be acquired from property owners for some projects.

Two sidewalk projects in Rathdrum - along Stevens and McCartney - are underway.

"We are improving a one-block section of McCartney so that it reflects continuity with Main Street in downtown Rathdrum," Jump said.

The project includes curbs, widening the street for on-street parallel parking, replacement of a deteriorating sidewalk, drainage improvements and pavement resurfacing.