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Syracuse continues to work on its Greenway Path project.
Thursday, Syracuse Town Manager and Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation director Jeff Noffsinger requested the Kosciusko County Drainage Board grant a setback variance along the Nevin McConnell drain.
Noffsinger said the first segment of the Greenway Path the Foundation wants to tackle is along the Nevin McConnell Ditch between Bowser Road and Pickwick Road. He said he's received permission for the path from all the property owners but the church so far.
The asphalt trail will be 10 feet wide. The variance will allow the path to be built 15 feet from the edge of the ditch.
"We're allowing a paved path in the right of way?" asked Ron Truex, board member and county commissioner. Dick Kemper, county surveyor, said that was correct.
"Basically, we're allowing a permanent structure in the right of way" with no other uses, said Kemper.
Noffsinger said while the county is maintaining the drain, if the county should damage the pathway, the county will not be held responsible per the agreement. He also said the Foundation still needs to get easements from the property owners for this purpose.
"I think it's a great purpose," said Truex.
Noffsinger said everyone is in support of the pathway and sees it as good for the community.
Kemper said the path itself will have no impact on the drainage.
"I recommend we approve it," he said.
By a unanimous vote, the drainage board approved the variance.
Members of the drainage board are chairman Ron Truex, Donald Goon, Dorris Harrold, Maurice McDaniel and Eldon Watkins. They meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Justice Building meeting room on the fourth Thursday of every month.
