Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Editor, Times-Union:
I recently read of a very small group of homeowners at Lake Tippecanoe wanting to create a walking trail around the lake. This is one of the most absurd ideas I've heard in a long time. This is unnecessary, 100% unworkable, and I can confidently say, unwanted by probably 98% of Lake Tippecanoe property owners.
Most of these folks (probably all) wanting this live on Kalorama Road and 650 N (Crystal Flash Road) juncture. which is a high-speed county road where cars travel 55-65 mph coming or going to 650N (Crystal Flash Road). Cars do slow down driving by the country club and golf course. But that's it. These folks can't safely walk on Kalorama Road so they want to have a dedicated path around the lake to appease their misled, selfish desire.
How about discussing with the county to lower the speed limit on 650N within one mile of Kalorama Road and place speed bumps on Kalorama Road? Or maybe they should have bought property around another area of Lake Tippecanoe that has a 30 mph road speed limit, or they should move to the Lake Wawasee area and walk to their hearts' content. It's like buying a house near an airport then complaining about the noise. Lake Wawasee has a boardwalk, and it is workable, but it is far from SR 13 not next to or on top.
This Lake Tippecanoe walk/bike path would be on top of many homes and incur problems negotiating sewer lines, utility poles and lines, property walls and boundary lines, three to four bridges, irrigation lines, several creeks and a host of other issues. The cost would be astronomical. The beauty of Lake Tippecanoe is its quiet nature not the hustle and bustle of Lake Wawasee/Syracuse area or Winona Lake village with multiple businesses, shops, etc.
One statement from this group says the walkway (paraphrasing) will connect our community, promote health and be an asset for future generations. If you don't have this already by living here at Lake Tippecanoe you have a life problem. Also this would greatly anger, frustrate and annoy the very people in the community by placing a walk/bike path immediately next to their homes, garages, driveways, yards, etc. … Would these homeowners be forced to sell access by possible eminent domain? This won’t bring the community together. And, who will maintain this pathway over the years? The county taxpayers I presume. These folks maybe well intentioned but are very misguided and selfish. They have stated to build this pathway in phases. Guess where they state Phase 1 is? - Kalorama Road and 650 N juncture! This idea needs to be dead in the water!
Robert A. Ragland
Leesburg, via email
