September 2024
Trail Amenities Now Become A Focus
By John Lanier
Now that construction on the first section of the Ecusta Trail in Henderson County is approaching completion and plans for the Brevard section are moving forward, the Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board (ETAB) has begun looking at amenities along the trail.
Amenities are broken down into three levels. Federal funds can be used for some amenities but not others.
Level One amenities for which federal grant funds can be used are bicycle racks, waste receptacles, benches, trail-related information signs, information kiosks or stations, and mile or location markers. Level one amenities that would have to be funded by other means include bicycle fix-it stations, drinking fountains and trail user counters. The estimated costs for non-federally funded amenities are: $2,500 - $7,000 for drinking fountains; $800 – $2,500 for bicycle fix-it stations; and $3,500 - $12,000 for trail user counters.
Level Two amenities include parking areas and bathrooms. Federal funds can be used for the bathrooms if they are in the federal footprint right-of-way.
Level Three amenities include things such as large shelters, overlooks, gateway features, public art and interpretive exhibits. These items are not included in grant funding.
There are some distinctions among items. For example, a small, simple shelter immediately adjacent to the trail whose purpose is to provide shelter from the elements or a respite may be eligible for federal funds. However, a large picnic shelter would not be eligible for federal funding.
In the coming months, ETAB will begin prioritizing amenities and discussing their locations for the 8-mile section of the Ecusta Trail in Transylvania County.
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Trail Teasers
More trail work continues and the six new bridges between Hendersonville and Horse Shoe are in.
Bridge #1 over Wash Creek, near Fresh Market. Photo by Cindy Ruzak
Bridge #2 behind Grist Mill Drive. Photo by Cindy Ruzak
Bridge #3 behind 1st Congregational Church in Laurel Park. Photo by Cindy Ruzak
Bridge #4 at Turley Falls Rd and Brightwater Dr. Photo by Mark Miller
Bridge #5 near Kilpatrick Rd. Photo by Matt Revis
Bridge #6 at Battle Creek and Hwy 64. Photo by Matt Revis
Photo by Mark Miller
Photo by Cindy Rusak
Photo by Mark Miller
Photo by Mark Miller
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Ecusta Trail Progress And Horse Shoe History
By Wayne Boynton (Guest Writer)
There is good news about the Ecusta Trail. The construction company has begun paving the first 6 miles of Ecusta East from Horse Shoe to downtown Hendersonville.
Previous Ecusta Trail reports included pictures of the old railroad grade that had been stripped of all crossties and rails, as well as pictures of some of the new bridges. The trail is being built to standards that allow vehicles, such as ambulances and maintenance equipment, to use the trail when needed.
The paving started at the point where the trail crosses U. S. 64 in Horse Shoe. Going east, the first section of paving is 1.1 miles long (measured twice on my Garmin).
Then, there is about a half mile of gravel. This is not paved yet because the construction company is still installing a bridge on this section and shoring up a section of the old railroad grade adjacent to the veterans’ garden/farm.
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NCDOT To Hold Ecusta Trail Open House
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 5-7 p.m. in the Rogow Room of the Transylvania County Library, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold a Public Open House to provide maps and information regarding the proposed construction of the Ecusta Trail in Transylvania County.
According to the NCDOT, “The purpose of the meeting is to introduce the project to the public and for the project team to receive feedback on the proposed design concepts.”
Lonnie Watkins, who is overseeing the Ecusta Trail project from Brevard to the Henderson County line for the NCDOT, said there would be no formal presentation. There will be detailed maps for the public to peruse and project staff will be on hand to answer questions.
The library is located at 212 S. Gaston Street in Brevard.
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Henderson County Rail-Trail
Advisory Committee
The August meeting was cancelled.
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ETAB 2.0 Discusses Several Topics
By John Lanier and Mark Tooley
On Thursday, August 22, the newly reconstituted Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board – dubbed ETAB 2.0 – discussed the budget, timeline, physical conditions and amenities for the Transylvania County section of the Ecusta Trail.
At a previous city council meeting, council members decided to give ETAB voting authority on a number of measures and slightly changed the composition of the board to increase the representation of agencies focused on economic development and downtown Brevard.
Brevard City Manager Wilson Hooper quickly reviewed the milestones of the railroad line beginning in 1939 when the Ecusta mill opened to the current reconstitution of ETAB.
Hooper said the entire process sped up last summer when the city received two federal grants totaling approximately $45 million for the trail.
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Celebrate Friends Day with the
Ecusta Trail at Mast General Store
Hendersonville Sept. 7
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September ET Events
Henderson County R-TAC Meeting
September 11, 2024 @ 10:00am - 12:00pm
https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/bc-rtac
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Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting (2 Meetings)
September 5, 2024 @ 3:30pm – 5:30pm
September 25, 2024 @ 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers.
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NCDOT To Hold Ecusta Trail Open House
Sept. 10, from 5-7 p.m. in the Rogow Room of the Transylvania County Library
FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, John Lanier, Mark Miller, RJ Miner, Matt Revis and Cindy Ruzak.
STAY CONNECTED
GET INVOLVED
FOR TRAIL CONSTRUCTION QUESTIONS CONTACT:
Marcus Jones, P.E. Henderson County
Director of Engineering
(828) 694-6526
August 2024
The Horse Shoe Farm
By Cindy Ruzak
The Horse Shoe Farm is an 85-acre boutique resort in the foothills outside Hendersonville. Just over a half mile from the Ecusta Trail, it offers a farm to table dining experience as well as a luxury spa in addition to accommodations. The property is owned by the Turchin family, as is the trail-adjacent Root & Bone restaurant (as featured in last month’s newsletter).
At the time, John Turchin owned Mountain Sotheby’s Realty, which had the real estate listing on the farm, when he decided to purchase it himself in 2015, and then it took a couple of years for everything to be finalized. The dream initially was to create a Baby Boomer oriented small home village development, but then that evolved over the next several years to the resort/restaurant/spa concept. He reminded me that the Horse Shoe name comes from the shape of the bend in the nearby French Broad River, the third oldest river in the world, according to some sources.
Like trails offering connections between towns, The Horse Shoe Farm offers the opportunity to disconnect from daily activities, slow down, and re-connect with oneself for a restful moment of peace. The Silo Cookhouse is open to the public for dinner and Sunday Brunch, as is the Stable Spa by appointment, and the entire property is accessible by means of purchase of a day pass. It is easy to envision a fulfilling day taking a bike ride on the Ecusta followed by an enervating and muscle relaxing massage, followed by a swim in the pool, and ending with a delicious dinner served by attentive staff.
The view of the countryside and the mountains is truly awe inspiring. Up to 75 guests can be accommodated in the 17,000-plus square feet of residential space within the 6 estate homes, 3 cottages containing 7 suites, and 6 loft suites in a variety of spaces and styles, providing a unique, artful, and luxurious experience for groups or individuals. The one-time cattle ranch also has event space for larger gatherings, and has recently hosted public events such as Heritage Fire and a 4th of July fireworks dinner.
Front desk attendant Lauren Woodbridge proactively sought out the Turchins to be part of the operation of the property. Although her initial foray into hospitality was culinary at Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, health issues with her grandmother, as well as some personal ones, influenced a path toward nutrition. That led to some time living in Richmond, Chicago, and Wilmington, all the while helping people and finding purpose and switching from focusing on food to helping people solve problems. The latter is why she sought out being part of the work family at The Horse Shoe Farm, where there is a “we care attitude” expressed that induces feelings of being “accepted, encouraged, and supported”.
The Silo Cookhouse operates under the premise that when you share a meal that’s been cooked with love in the presence of friends and neighbors, you dare to immerse yourself in the ritual of community and the possibility of connection with yourself and others. The primary dining experience offered is communal at long tables in the bar’s porch area, with beautiful views of Mt. Pisgah; however, individual seating is also available on the outdoor patio grill.
Executive Chef Daniel Williams explained that initially the communal dining was offered at a set time with each course served at the same time to all participants, but it has since been altered. He admits initially people might anticipate being put off by communal dining but soon find pleasure in connecting with others. The experience has evolved into the more traditional reservation times. This results in more spontaneous communication between people who have just met as they discuss what the person near them is eating.
The menu with ala carte options, and which is a delicious combination of foods, changes every 5 weeks or so to accommodate repeat local customers. Each menu will contain items and quantities that are intended to be shared, with the server coordinating with the kitchen as to the sequence of preparation to provide the desired unique dining experience. The restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch to Horse Shoe Farm guests, both overnight and on a day pass; and the kitchen prepares food for events up to 200 people in the Sunset Barn.
Daniel, originally from northern Virginia, began his professional career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania culinary school in groundhog haven Punxsutawney after switching focus from teaching English. He has been in the culinary Asheville scene for 10 years but claims family origins for his foodie orientation. His grandmother, “Mary B,” is Italian with a big family where food resonates in relevance. His first childhood memory of her is the preparation of her tomato salad (a straightforward combination of fresh home garden tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive left to sit all day) served with bread from an Italian bakery just down the street from her home. That same connective recipe to the past is served as a garnish on the Silo’s “Smoke Tomato and Crab Rici.”
Inspiration for each change of menu is equally collaborative, with all of his kitchen staff, including sous chefs and line cooks, bouncing ideas off each other. The goal is providing a high-quality experience that focuses on local farm produce. The bar offers classically crafty cocktails and an international wine list highlighting those of the Pacific Northwest and local Appalachian breweries.
The Stable Spa offers a wide range of treatments with a holistic massage in which therapists determine a specific approach to each client. The spa is housed in a renovated horse barn that is harmoniously integrated in the natural landscape of The Horse Shoe Farm.
Nicole Massengale, spa manager of a baker’s dozen of therapists, connected with The Horse Shoe Farm when, immediately after she taught one of the Wellness Classes there, she was asked by the property’s steward, Jordan Turchin, to join the team. The subjects for the classes range from moon circles to breathwork and cold plunge to soundscapes and energy flow. Nicole first became connected to the healing ways via an interest in cranial sacral therapy after having a positive personal response to it. The spa offers a wide range of services from classic Swedish massage to deep tissue mountain massage to self-guided 3-hour journeys.
Just down the hill from the spa is the resort-style pool, on the way to which you can see the owner’s horses, named after musical artists Bob Marley, and Willie Nelson. To further set the scene, Jordan was enjoying his son’s water antics. In talking about the connectivity of all the employees and family as it relates to the direction the Farm may take in the future, he expressed an attitude of evolving in a listening, patient way rather than pushing in a specific direction, but he acknowledged a multi-generational focus as being more desirable.
Visual art figures prominently, from the items sold in the spa shop to the cottages. They include selections and creations by Susan Turchin,as well as the glass sculpture at the pool by Chihuly apprentice Ryan Blythe. Art is everywhere, even in the selection of décor of each cottage.
It seemed appropriate that as the interviews for this article were coming to an end, the entire Turchin family was poolside enjoying each other’s company and intermingling with guests, embodying a slogan that is displayed on the property that the “only thing greater than living your dream is sharing it.”
Trail Teasers
There's been quite a bit of construction activity on the trail between Hendersonville and Horse Shoe and we all have reason to be excited. So we've added this new "Trail Teasers" section to highlight the work that's being done that will show the transformation of rail to trail.
North of W Allen St
Henderson County Rail-Trail
Advisory Committee
By Cindy Ruzak
Henderson County RTAC meeting July 10, 2024
Committee Chair Chris Burns introduced new member Bart Salvaggio, who replaced at-large member Dave Adams after the latter resigned. Salvaggio is an owner/partner in the Lennox Station development.
In response to Burns opening the meeting to public comment, Clifford Meek re-stated his comments from the June meeting requesting the RTAC address how the number of people using the trail will impact the adjacent areas. He suggested moving the flagstops to places where a street crosses the trail to make it a federally defined “multi-mobile transportation center” so that Apple Country bus can service the trail. He also inquired whether the RTAC or the city of Hendersonville will address the need for sidewalks.
Henderson County Engineer Marcus Jones responded that federal funding does not allow money to be used for anything outside the trail right of way, so the city would need to address this issue. Burns committed to raising the sidewalk issues with the city, and that Meeks’ concerns had been heard.
Mark Tooley, president of Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET), advised that work continues on the website reconstruction. He proposed that the framework for naming opportunities that is in front of the committee be addressed either now or at a future meeting. Burns offered that the topic be included in the discussion later in the meeting as part of the presentation by Watermark. Tooley said once FOET gets specific locations from Watermark, they will be able to match up these opportunities. There are 100 people total in all the donor categories.
On the subject of branding opportunities, Burns said the FOET Board had been asked by the RTAC to review the design submitted by Watermark in comparison to the one initially developed by FOET. The FOET board decided they preferred to retain their initial version, so Burns suggested the RTAC accept that decision.The motion to do so, and for Watermark to incorporate the FOET design colors of light and dark greens, passed unanimously.
Hunter Marks from Watermark then briefly recapped his design presentation from last month’s meeting, and a second motion to authorize the company to move to the 100% design phase was made and passed unanimously.
A construction update was given by Jones. Paving has begun starting at Brevard Road (Highway 64) moving toward Hendersonville. Some areas, such as where 5th Avenue crosses the Ecusta Trail, need soil density adjustment prior to paving. The final layer will go on last and take just a week total. As an added benefit, the company doing the work, Tarheel Paving, is local. The bridges, six of them on the eastern section of the trail, should arrive by the end of July and will be placed very quickly since they are pre-constructed. One other area being addressed is at Allen Street where the angle of the stream creates the potential for erosion. Construction is still on track for a December completion.
Burns initiated a discussion about whether the paved sections are open to the public, with the consensus being that they are; however, people need to stay away from construction areas. So, the best message to the public is to stay off the trail until it is finished. Henderson County Assistant Manager Chis Todd said this is a good opportunity to send a message that it is impractical for the public to use it right now, and ask for the public’s help in doing that to avoid delaying the project. He will get specific wording on the topic to Lynn Huffman, FOET board member, to post on the FOET website.
An additional question period included a suggestion from Burns to Jones to keep a record of the dollars that were kept local in construction. Ken Shelton, FOET board member, asked about how potential tree root growth was being addressed. Jones responded that he doesn’t expect much given the amount of clearing done along the trail, but that any that is needed would be done under maintenance.
Burns said the next meeting of August 14 would need to be rescheduled as both he and the Vice Chair will be out of the country.
Shelton, in response to the comments made by Weeks, suggested that the specific professional roles of the RTAC members be listed on the RTAC website.
A member of the public inquired if anyone had an update on the Saluda Trail. Kristin Cozza of Conserving Carolina said there might be some news next week.
The August meeting has been cancelled.
Brevard Ecusta Trail
Advisory Board
The July meeting scheduled for July 31 was cancelled.
The next meeting is August 22, 2024 @ 3:30pm
August ET Events
Henderson County R-TAC Meeting
The August meeting has been cancelled.
https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/bc-rtac
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Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting
August 22, 2024 @ 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers.
FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, John Lanier, RJ Miner, Matt Revis and Cindy Ruzak.
STAY CONNECTED
GET INVOLVED
July 2024
Root & Bone/The Crossroads
By Cindy Ruzak
If you have lived in Western North Carolina for any length of time, it is likely you have heard the name Turchin in some connection or another. And now, another means by which to do that has opened for all of us to enjoy, Root & Bone/The Crossroads.
The Root & Bone restaurant, housed in The Crossroads complex located on Brevard Road/Hwy 64 at the crossing of the Ecusta Trail in Horseshoe, opened to the public on June 14. The ambiance, extraordinary quality of food and beverage selections, and engaging staff guarantees this endeavor will quickly become a superlative culinary destination.
At a pre-opening event for the press, family, friends, contractors and employees of other Turchin enterprises, the joy of the dining experience was palpable. From an enthusiastic greeting at the door by Dave and Lauren and general manager Andrew, to attentive serving at the bar by Logan and others on patio dining areas, and interesting conversations with chefs Jeff and Janine, and owners Susan and John, a true desire to engage was manifested. This “all-in” engagement style genuinely creates a wonderful sense of welcoming inclusion. The stories each person relayed about their individual paths to involvement in the restaurant provided a tribute to how success in any endeavor is driven by the relationships to others.
Two James Beard Award-nominated chefs, partners Jeffrey McInnis and Janine Booth, offer their special blend of “elevated southern comfort food.” They met owner John Turchin when Janine, who hails from Australia, was opening a restaurant in Miami Beach and came before the local architectural design review board on which he served. John helped them get through the approval process by suggesting an alternate window treatment of a full glass garage door style, thus establishing beginnings of a collaborative relationship. So, when John saw the vacant building in Horseshoe, he immediately contacted Jeff and Janine to see what they thought about opening a restaurant there together. John and Susan’s previous connection to the hospitality industry has included ownership of three nightclub properties in Florida, and they continue to split their time between the coast and the mountains.
Connections to the WNC community, and to the arts in general, abound with so many members of this extended family business. Jeff has family in Marion and his parents have been involved with Appalachian State and the creation of the Turchin Center; so he and wife Janine are looking forward to relocating with their three children to North Carolina from Florida. Susan Turchin is a visual artist, with a guitar on display at the front entrance to the restaurant being one of her creations. John and Susan’s son Jordan, who operates the family’s enterprise at nearby Horseshoe Farms, acted over seven years in several Off-Broadway New York theater productions. Daughter Ashley, while not involved with The Crossroads, sells artwork. And John’s interests are multi-generational.
As the website proclaims, The Turchin Center for the visual arts strategic location on King Street in the heart of downtown Boone is within the physical boundaries of Appalachian State University, thus placing it at the “crossroads” between campus and community, creating a multitude of opportunities for meaningful campus and community partnerships. Named for benefactors Robert and Lillan Turchin, the center opened in 2003 under the belief that access and interaction with arts programming is an important part of a great university education, and that sharing these opportunities with residents and visitors is important to the cultural, economic and healthful life of the community. In keeping with that belief, to provide increased accessibility for the App State community, the center is free of charge and open to the public.
As an extension of that artistic community connectivity, John is planning to have several works of visual art adorning the outdoor space at the Root & Bone/The Crossroads for all Ecusta Trail riders to enjoy as they pass by.
That connectivity was also expressed among the other attendees at the pre-opening event. As an example, from just one table, a toilet salesman, who is also a diehard Chicago Cubs fan (I grew up in Chicago, but connected as a White Sox fan) was sitting with his friend, the contractor who supplied all the pipes for Horseshoe Farms, and who offered information about a worldwide organization of organic farmers.
Even the name of the restaurant has its own connections. The Crossroads name stems from famed Blues guitarist Robert Johnson of the 1930s. As legend has it, Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in his quest for fame. He died at 27, much like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison – aka “Rock’s 27 Club” – but his song “Cross Road Blues” achieved fame finally in 1969 when recorded by the British band Cream. The bar at Root & Bone/The Crossroads features historic Rock photographs from the 1970s and 1980s.
And then there is the food, where there are plenty of unique offerings with which to make a connection. I personally enjoyed the Beets Tartare, the Sweet Tea Brined Chicken, the Falafel Croquettes, and the Braised Brisket Meatloaf.
Jeff started his culinary career as a dishwasher when one day a chef at the restaurant did not show up for work, so he was promoted to the fish cutting station. Janine first worked at a Sicilian restaurant and attended culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in New York. And now this is their fourth Root & Bone restaurant opening, after the first in New York City in 2013. It offers “soul nurturing, conscientiously sourced, farm-fresh ingredients” created by “craftsman’s ethic coupled with artistic culinary thought” in
tribute to the timeless recipes and traditions of rural America, and the warm embrace of its hospitality.
Restaurant manager Zeke confirmed that future plans include a speakeasy just a few steps down from the bar area that will house small private events, and a market café. While the café will have many equally interesting items for bicyclists and those driving by to choose from for something on the go, the primary focus of the location appears to be providing a dining experience to enjoy at leisure.
With all this connectivity, it seems completely appropriate that this enterprise be located directly adjacent to the Ecusta Trail; after all, trails are all about connections between towns and between people interacting with each other.
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts | Appalachian State University (appstate.edu)
Henderson County Rail-Trail
Advisory Committee
By Cindy Ruzak
Henderson County RTAC meeting June 12, 2024
In response to RTAC Chair Chris Burns' call for public comment, Clifford Meek, who is affiliated with the model train group French Broad River “Npire,” recommended that some sort of barrier to cars be included in plans for the trail. He has noticed several times over the past 6 months that cars have been parked on the section near Spring Street, and cautioned that once the trail opens, trail users will likely park on adjacent streets that are already narrow. Henderson County Business and Community Development Director Chris Todd and Hendersonville City Manager John Connet responded that they will get together with law enforcement to address potential issues.
RTAC member-at-large Ken Shelton inquired if the rails being removed can be repurposed for trail amenities. Todd responded that they are being saved.
Mark Tooley, president of Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET), thanked Janna Bianculli, Henderson County Senior Planner, for the excellent trail partners business meeting. He also reported that FOET is working on a framework for offering amenity naming opportunities that were promised to “Making the Dream Real” donors. In addition, FOET is working on a suggested trail etiquette list. Both of these will be submitted to RTAC at a later date.
Brevard’s Mayor Maureen Copelof confirmed expectations that the 30% design for the Transylvania County section of the trail will be completed by the end of June. She also announced that there will be a joint meeting on June 26 of the Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board (ETAB), Brevard City Council, and Brevard Parks and Trails Committee.
Todd announced there has been a lot of talk about making the official trailhead for the Ecusta Trail to be located at the Visitors Center; and that it is really a challenge to have it anywhere else but there. The facilities are already in place and being improved, and the advantage is that having the trailhead there provides more access to Main Street. He asked RTAC to officially authorize him to approach the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority about this idea since they own the land on which the Visitors Center is located. The motion was approved.
Tooley asked the committee to recommend adopting the branding strategy for the Ecusta Trail that was led by FOET and collaboratively refined by the Operations Committee over the past year.
Burns suggested tabling formal consideration and voting of that branding strategy until the next meeting so that the RTAC members have time to review the branding strategy and amenities, along with discussing it with other communities to be able to make a uniform decision.
Hunter Marks from Watermark Landscape Architect then presented a possible design for trail amenities.
Marks showed several illustrations from the 30% design phase of how amenities such as rest stations, location markers, and interpretive signs might look with designs respecting the history of the Southern Railway. Wooden location markers would mimic whistle posts and location markers on them made from rustic looking Corten Steel. Design amenities would also include drinking fountains, parking areas, bike and repair racks, buffer areas of landscaping for rest and shade. Things such as trash cans could be agreed upon between the entities.
In response to a question on design timing from Shelton, Burns emphasized some urgency toward making a decision quickly. Since construction of the first 6 miles should be completed by the end of the year, the consensus was prioritization of some amenities would be beneficial, with some amenities not being ready when the first section of the trail opens.
Tooley requested that this amenity design presentation be given to the June 26 joint meeting of the Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board (ETAB), Brevard City Council, and Brevard Parks and Trails Committee.
The meeting ended with additional public comment from Steve Line, who moved to Turley Falls specifically to be near the Ecusta Trail, with a suggestion for an opening celebration to include a bike cruise similar to that done in Golden, Colorado, where people decorate their bikes and wear costumes.
Next meeting is scheduled for July 10, 2024, at 10:00 am.
Brevard Ecusta Trail
Advisory Board
By John Lanier
For nearly four hours on Wednesday, June 26, Brevard City Council met with members of the Ecusta Trail Advisory Board (ETAB) and Brevard Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to receive information on the 30 percent design of the trail and to discuss the future governance and responsibilities regarding the trail. The council, by a 3-1 vote, also approved the branding/logo presented by FOET (Friends of Ecusta Trail).
Brief History of City Involvement
Towards the beginning of the meeting, Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof gave a brief history of the city of Brevard’s involvement with the Ecusta Trail. The Brevard City Council voted to support the concept of the Ecusta Trail in 2015. Even though the city has just a few hundred yards of the planned trail within its boundaries, in 2021 the city decided to “take the lead” as the primary government agency because the Transylvania County leaders chose not to support the trail.
In 2021 the city also formed the Ecusta Trail Advisory Board. The following year the city signed a 50-year lease with Conserving Carolina for use of the trail.
In the past few years, the city has received more than $45 million in federal grants for construction, as well as a $1 million grant for engineering.
“We have been incredibly successful in getting that funding,” said Copelof, who added that collaboration with Henderson County was instrumental in getting the grants.
Need For Quick Decisions
Copelof said the regional aspect of the trail is both a “blessing and a challenge.” Since Henderson County should complete the first 6 miles of the trail by year’s end, the city of Brevard will have to make decisions sooner than anticipated in order to provide unity regarding signage, rules, etc. along the trail.
Chris Burns, Henderson County’s representative on ETAB and chair of RTAC, said the nine bridges from downtown Hendersonville to Horseshoe have been removed and the new, prefabricated bridges should be in place in August. He said paving of the trail should begin in late September or early October. The paving should take about three weeks, depending on the weather.
Burns said Henderson County is behind schedule on the second phase of the trail. Work on the 30 percent design phase is underway with completion of that section of trail set for the fourth quarter of 2027.
Copelof said if design and construction on both Henderson County’s second phase (Ecusta West) and the Transylvania County section occur simultaneously, then there could be just one contract for both sections, which would save money.
Branding and Logo
As a result of the need to make decisions quickly, the council received information on branding and logos.
FOET president Mark Tooley said an operational committee comprised of members of FOET, Conserving Carolina, Brevard and Henderson County began meeting in January of 2023. In April of that year, the committee asked FOET to contract for branding services.
“We had lengthy input sessions up front,” said Tooley regarding branding and logo.
Tooley said several color schemes were considered, but the operational committee, in collaboration with a professional design business, came to an agreement on the color palette. The logo would be used along the trail and on promotional merchandise.
Tooley said the branding/logo was presented at the last RTAC meeting, at which no action was taken, but that he would like to see city council vote so that the design can be brought to RTAC at its next meeting for a vote.
Hunter Marks, a landscape architect and a member of RTAC, made a presentation on designs for rest stations, location markers, benches, parking areas, etc. His graphics contained Southern Railways colors.
Both Copelof and Burns said a decision needed to be made on the colors.
Councilman Mac Morrow said the branding/logo is not a “big ticket” item for the city but “an operations item” that should be left up to the people who worked with the design professionals.
Copelof said FOET’s branding/logo presentation previously had been shown to members of the Brevard city staff and several council members.
“This was done collaboratively,” said Copelof of FOET’s branding/logo.
After a brief discussion, the council voted 3-1 to approve the FOET branding/logo with Morrow, Gary Daniel and Aaron Baker voting for the FOET design.
30 Percent Design
Kristy Stoudt of the engineering design firm TPD said the 30 percent design plans for the Transylvania County section of the trail would be sent to the NCDOT later that week.
“There’s a lot of review back and forth,” she said, adding that there are many federal transportation requirements that must be met whenever federal funds are being used. “There are a lot of steps. It’s a complicated process.”
Stoudt noted that environmental, social and economic impacts are all considered when designing a trail. Challenges include the trail going through floodways, floodplains and wetlands; roadway crossings; signs and traffic signals; shifting of the trail within the 100-foot right-of-way and erection of barriers and guardrails where the trail may be close to roads.
She added that three bridges in Transylvania County can be used and repurposed instead of being replaced, thus saving about $1million.
She concurred with earlier statements that construction on the Transylvania County portion of the trail would begin in 2026 and conclude in 2027.
Visions For The Trail
Council members and others were asked to give their visions for the trail.
“I see this as a transportation infrastructure project first,” said Baker, adding that the city needs to prepare for the economic impact of the trail and to revise many of the city’s strategic plans to consider the trail’s impact.
Brevard City Planner Paul Ray said the trail would affect all of the city’s long-range plans – economic development, water and sewer, recreation, etc.
Daniel said the trail would be a destination for both tourists and locals and provide connectivity with neighborhoods, but said the city needs to have more information about the trail’s economic impact.
“It’s a wonderful thing,” said Morrow, who added that all of the benefits of the trail are contained in the city’s grant applications for the federal funds. He also noted that it would provide an opportunity to educate people about the history and environment of the area.
Holder said it could be a way to connect and improve communication between diverse communities and there should be activities hosted along the trail to draw in folks who might not normally use the trail.
Copelof said it could improve the quality of life for everybody.
Tooley said the trail would be “very inclusive” and be used by people of all ages and abilities, including those in wheelchairs or babies in strollers.
Larry Chapman, who serves as the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners representative on ETAB, said everyone in the county is not in favor of more cyclists or the trail. He said people become frustrated whenever there are 15 cars waiting behind two cyclists.
“This creates animosity,” said Chapman.
Chapman, however, praised the city for its efforts to communicate with property owners along the trail and said communication is a key moving forward.
John Ditillo, a FOET representative on ETAB, said he belongs to a biking club of 120 members who live out in the county, but only 40 of them ride because the other 80 are terrified to ride on the roads. He said the trail would give those 80 people an opportunity to ride safely.
“I think it’s going to grow the cycling community,” Ditillo said.
Both Chapman and Holder asked how many current bicyclists would be taken off the streets once the trail is open.
Ditillo and other bikers on the boards said it would not have much impact on those who ride 30-40 miles a day, but it would reduce bike traffic where the trail is adjacent to current bike routes, such as the old Hendersonville Highway.
Baker said the trail is not meant to take all bikers off county roads and that while he does understand the frustration of some drivers being caught behind bicyclists, local leaders need to push back against hate and violence committed against bicyclists. He noted that one cyclist, a pediatrician, was hit with a full can of Coke and put in the hospital.
Who Decides What?
City Attorney Mack McKellar directed a discussion regarding the roles and responsibilities of the various organizations involved in the Ecusta Trail.
Copleof said there must be a structure as to which organizations and governmental bodies will make certain decisions.
“City council does not need to be micromanaging this project at all,” said Morrow.
Morrow said the purpose of the advisory boards, RTAC and ETAB, is to resolve operational issues and there is no need for elected bodies to get involved in those issues.
Baker said ETAB is not like other city of Brevard committees because it does not have two council members, it has members who live outside the city limits, and it does not take action votes.
“We never take votes,” said Baker of ETAB. “That committee needs to make decisions.”
McKellar suggested, and council members agreed, tweaking the membership of ETAB and empowering that board to make certain decisions, which would then be placed on the council’s consent agenda. Doing so would mirror the way Brevard handles other city committees and the way Henderson County treats RTAC.
There appeared to be a consensus that city staff would handle technical issues and council would decide policy issues based on input from ETAB. Some suggested the council make a decision on the western terminus of the trail based on information from ETAB, but Baker said he may ask council to take action on determining the western terminus before ETAB discusses it.
Copelof proposed, and others agreed, on updating the membership and responsibilities of ETAB, as well as working out what decisions would be ceded to FOET.
Tooley said RTAC has not approved the roles of FOET and both Henderson County and Brevard need to agree on the role of FOET, particularly if FOET is expected to hire a trail manager.
Other Items Of Interest
- Daniel asked if the Ecusta Trail would be a city park. McKellar said it would probably be best to consider the trail a park from a technical standpoint, just as the Estatoe Trail is considered a park.
- Henderson County is looking to have a location marker every half mile and a stencil on the trail every tenth of a mile.
The Trail Talk team is looking for additional writers who can attend and report on Henderson County or City of Brevard advisory committee meetings, or special events as needed. If you are interested in helping, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
July ET Events
Henderson County R-TAC Meeting
July 10, 2024 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/bc-rtac
____________________________
Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting - CANCELLED!
Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers.
FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, John Lanier, RJ Miner, Matt Revis and Cindy Ruzak.
STAY CONNECTED
GET INVOLVED
June 2024
Ecusta Trail Writer's Rides
By Cindy Ruzak
Last fall my husband, Jay, and I accomplished a 6,000-mile trek from our summer home aboard our 42’ sailboat in Michigan to the Canadian Rockies and Pacific Northwest, finishing at our winter home in Hendersonville. Our trip took us through 17 states, with the goal of seeing some of America’s National Parks, and a few places on our bucket list, plus visiting friends. Along the way we witnessed some amazing scenery and realized how many places have bike trails of one sort or the other that offer an even more expansive way to experience an area.
Driving versus flying allows a more in-depth appreciation of the beauty and ecosystem diversity of the North American continent. And biking increases that appreciation of details even more. Our bucket list item of Lake Louise (where I stood at the same place my mother and grandfather posed for a framed photo on August 27, 1940), Canada involved more hiking than biking; however, we did do a short bike on the Banff Legacy Trail as it winds through the very busy tourist area of town. The beauty of the Canadian Rockies is almost overwhelming as each time you turn your head it generates another “Wow, look at that” moment. One of the prettiest spots was Emerald Lake just west of Lake Louise and Banff.
On the way to Lake Louise we, of course, visited Yellowstone National Park, and Custer State Park. A hike around Devils Tower led us to the nearby town of Deadwood to see the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. There we discovered by chance the Mickelson Trail. The George S. Mickelson Trail traverses over 100 glorious miles of the Black Hills of South Dakota. A former rail line, the trail crosses more than 100 railroad bridges and goes through four tunnels. We have already decided we definitely want to come back to ride more of this one!
Another of the most beautiful areas seen on our travels was Bryce Canyon, Utah. Not only is there a trail within the park, but on the way from Bryce west toward Zion National Park there is a longer paved trail that offers some equally amazing views. The first is a shared use trail and provides the best way to cycle the first 3 miles of the Bryce Canyon scenic drive. It provides 5 vehicle free miles connecting the shuttle station north of the park with the Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point (the first three scenic turnouts). Bicyclists who are more adventurous than I can achieve a longer ride by traveling along the main park road to the southern end of the park.
But I’d suggest opting for that paved trail along Highway 12, The Red Canyon Trail. It starts, as does the shared use path (and just about everything else in these parts) at the iconic Ruby’s Inn; and offers a 15-mile round trip, fairly level, through red canyons and expansive vistas. For mountain bikes there are lots of other options in the area, for which a link is below.
One of my favorite rides on the trip was along the Truckee River Trail at Lake Tahoe, and the path up the valley to the lodge at Olympic Valley. It is a trail that I have done often, since I have visited the area frequently due to the fact that my best friend from high school in Hinsdale, Illinois, and matron of honor in my wedding, lives there. Bike trails hold so many memories of beautiful and interesting places, but also memories of a more personal nature. I first rode this trail when my friend’s 2-year-old daughter went with us, and this fall I got to spend time near the trail with that daughter’s own young children.
After 45 days on the road, it was nice to be back home in North Carolina, and recently take another spring bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail after attending a Garrison Keillor performance at the Peace Center in Greenville. While more urban trails may not have the grand vistas of those out in the rural west, there is much beauty to be found, especially during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
Having seen so many bike trails in almost every area and the benefit they provide to communities along their path, upon our return it was great to see the progress being made on the Ecusta Trail. I, along with so many others, look forward to its completion of the first 6-mile segment by the end of this year.
Henderson County Rail-Trail
Advisory Committee
By Cindy Ruzak
Henderson County RTAC meeting May 8, 2024
Chair Chris Burns opened the meeting with the traditional solicitation of public comment, to which none was offered.
Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET) President Mark Tooley briefly reported that the re-do of the website is moving forward, and that discussions have started between Henderson County, Brevard, and FOET toward creating a MOU (memorandum of understanding) regarding governance of the trail’s operation once it is built.
Brevard’s City Councilman Aaron Baker, participating via a Zoom link, reported that they expect the 30% design for the western end of the trail to be completed by June, and that the focus right now is on community outreach, along with the previously mentioned MOU.
Chris Todd, Henderson County’s Business and Community Development Director, offered thanks to FOET Board member Lynn Huffman toward structuring the MOU document with consistency, and that a draft for Henderson County’s framework would be done this week. It should then be reviewed by the City of Brevard after it completes its annual budgeting by mid-June.
Autumn Radcliff, Henderson County Planning Director, and Marcus Jones, Henderson County Engineer, pictorially displayed that a lot has happened on the trail’s construction since the last RTAC meeting. Jones reported that construction of the first six miles is on target for a December finish. He is in the process of receiving the proposal for the east (Hendersonville to Horseshoe) section amenities. The amenities were in the original JMT 30% design, but had to be pulled out due to difficulties in the federal grant process at that point, and thus the need for this separate proposal. Maybe the bid will end up with the same contractor, or a different one, but should go quickly to 60% because part of the work is already done.
Marcus praised the work of Brent Detwiler, recent city engineer and for the past year Hendersonville’s Public Service Director, on the design of the downtown bike trail connection. This will require an additional small supplemental contract, likely with JMT, to connect the end of the trail to the one downtown.
At this point, Chris Todd mentioned the question he frequently gets from the public is where will the actual trailhead be for the Ecusta Trail. He believes that it will most logically be located at the Visitors Center where parking is readily available nearby; so, this connector is a win for all parties, and works as an economic development tool for downtown.
The slide presentation presented by Jones and Radcliff supported the statement that “the contractor is on an aggressive schedule” for the first six miles, with NHM personnel doing additional shifts, along with multiple inspectors onsite daily. Several pictures show bridges with new abutments in place waiting for the final pre-assembled top portion, areas almost ready for paving and grading and drainage being completed. After the picture taken near Daniel Drive was shown, Burns asked how the Laurel Park roundabouts near there and at White Street would affect the trail traffic pattern at those points. Jones and Todd committed to looking into coordinating those details with DOT by the next meeting, while RTAC Vice-Chair Selena Einwechter verified that these roundabouts cannot be built within the trail right of way.
Some pictures showed the care being taken to preserve the character of the surrounding area. For example, on the bridge near Allen Street attempts were made to save the existing railway bridge support wall by putting new abutment a bit further inward, and a fence was left standing within the right of way but is distant enough from the trail to conform to safety standards of construction. In conclusion, Jones exclaimed that “it is really starting to look like a trail.”
In response to Burns’ query for any additional comments from the public, an audience member questioned whether this board is involved in plans for a Saluda Trail yielded the answer that Conserving Carolina is currently involved in that process. Todd emphasized the importance of collaboration between all of these connecting towns and trails regarding rules and etiquette in order to promote continuity for trail users, and to make sure these are in place before the Ecusta Trail is open.
Next meeting is scheduled for June 12, 2024, at 3:30 PM.
Brevard Ecusta Trail
Advisory Board
By John Lanier
Members of the Brevard ETAB (Ecusta Trail Advisory Board) discussed bridges, connecting the Ecusta Trail to the Estatoe Trail, and other issues at their meeting on Wednesday, May 29.
Chris Burns, Henderson County’s representative on the ETAB, reported that all of the pilings for the bridges on the first six miles (Ecusta East) have been driven and four of the six bridge abutments are in place. As a result, the bridges should be installed in August and the first six miles is on schedule to be open in December.
Burns also reported that part of the federal funds can be used for amenities, some of which are now under design, and that design permitting for the next 6 miles in Henderson County (Ecusta West) has begun. That phase will include the bridge over the French Broad River between Horseshoe and Etowah.
“Things are moving very nicely at this point,” said Burns.
Lonnie Watkins of NCDOT reported that three of the bridges along the trail could possibly be modified or repurposed instead of being replaced. The advantages of modifying the three bridges are: the bridge spans would be shorter, older aesthetics would remain, and the cost would be $500,000 less than having new bridges.
“They are in pretty solid condition,” said Watkins of the three bridges.
Paul Ray of the Brevard Planning Department said the city had hoped it could repurpose the current bridge over the Davidson River, but has since learned from engineers that it needs to be replaced.
Ray said bridge engineers informed him that repurposing three of the bridges would save about $1 million.
Ray said other advantages to keeping the older bridges is that they would need to be inspected less, repairs would be less expensive since redundant support structures have been built into the older bridges, and the bridges would be grandfathered in floodplain regulations.
He agreed with Larry Chapman, who represents the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners on the ETAB, that all costs, including amenities, would need to be considered in deciding whether or not to replace or modify the three bridges.
Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof said she would like to see the pros and cons of replacing or repurposing the bridges, as well as the cost differences, presented at the next ETAB meeting.
Watkins also said they have begun making a short list of amenities and where they may potentially be located on the trail.
As she did regarding the bridges, Copelof also requested that NCDOT present the list of amenities included in the trail design, as well as the first 30 percent of the design for the Transylvania County section of the trail, at the next meeting. She added that the city needs the final 30 percent design completed before the city begins its public engagement sessions this summer.
“None of us have seen the design,” said Copelof.
Regarding the western end of the trail, Watkins said there are four possible options for connecting the Ecusta Trail to the existing Estatoe Trail, and the city needs to select an option in the coming week. Two of the options would require the attainment of right-of-way. Watkins said the federal grant money could not be used to acquire right-of-way, but possibly could be used to have the two trails connect.
The proposed Ecusta Trail ends about 400-500 feet from the existing Estatoe Trail.
Aaron Baker, who also sits on the Brevard City Council as well as the ETAB, presented a draft resolution that would have the western terminus of the Ecusta Trail be on Main Street in downtown Brevard. He said the draft is “more of a vision document.”
If the terminus of the trail is on Main Street, the city would have to make some changes to its Estatoe Trail – such as its width – in order to look like the Ecusta Trail.
Brevard City Manager Wilson Hooper informed the ETAB that he had met with city staff and a former city manager who serves as a mentor to discuss providing services and governance of the Ecusta Trail. He said the city council and other organizations need to meet and determine who is going to be making future decisions, especially since numerous decisions are “coming down the pike pretty fast.”
Hooper said the city needs to consult with Henderson County regarding the level of services the municipalities will provide regarding the trail, and added that governance of the trail might be different once construction of the trail is completed.
Hooper said they also discussed multi-jurisdictional agreements, including ones that worked and ones that did not. He added that government entities have MOUs with each other but sign contracts with private entities.
As a result of the need for multi-organizational cooperation in regard to governance, it was suggested and agreed upon that the Brevard City Council, ETAB and City of Brevard Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee meet together. A tentative joint meeting of the three groups will be held Wednesday, June 26, at 1:30 p.m. in the Brevard City Council chambers. That meeting will replace the regularly scheduled ETAB meeting.
Next meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2024 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
Progress Update
Ecusta Trail East Construction
By Matt Revis
After what seemed like a month of rainy days, Henderson County Engineer Marcus Jones shares a positive message for the Ecusta Trail Community. “Wet weather is typical with a grading contract and our contractor, NHM Construction, is handling it appropriately. Construction is on schedule and should be complete by December 2024.” Jones added that the contractor has addressed minor issues with unsuitable soil composition by replacing it with compactable material. These challenges have not delayed progress and Jones said “[We’ve had] no lucky breaks so far but no deal breakers either.”
June ET Events
Henderson County R-TAC Meeting
June 12, 2024 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/bc-rtac
____________________________
Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting
June 26, 2024 @ 1:30pm – 5:00pm
Open to the public. Mary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center. Double-check with city for cancellations, or rescheduling.
FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, John Lanier, RJ Miner, Matt Revis and Cindy Ruzak.
STAY CONNECTED
GET INVOLVED
FOR TRAIL CONSTRUCTION QUESTIONS CONTACT:
Marcus Jones, P.E. Henderson County
Director of Engineering
(828) 694-6526
May 2024
Connections
By Bernard Grauer
Meaningful connections are starting to take place between families, friends, and neighbors along the Ecusta Trail. Greetings and salutations spark conversations between pedestrians as they enjoy recent work on the trail. The recent mild winter allowed many individuals to use the trail safely. Many users came from the small neighborhoods dotting the trail.
Take the example of Tim and Debbie, who recently moved here from Arizona. The two moved to Western North Carolina for work and live 2 miles from the trail. They came to the trail to safely ride their bikes. They jokingly mention that “it’s time to get in shape again.” These enthusiastic trail users are excited about riding to a local coffee shop or the upcoming market in Laurel Park.
Other social and recreational connections involve an organized group of runners. The Hendersonville Run Club meets at Trailside Brewing (on the Ecusta Trail) on Thursdays at 6 p.m.. The group also meets on Tuesdays at Guidon Brewing and uses the Oklawaha Greenway. Walkers and runners can safely meet and enjoy the outdoors with a walk, or a 3-mile or 5-mile run. Meaningful conversations and impromptu shenanigans typically happen after the run. Some socialites join the group for fellowship after the run.
After the October groundbreaking, many individuals have safely enjoyed sections of the trail that were not under construction. Mild winters have always been a joy for outdoor enthusiasts; however, the spring thaw has given way to drier days for construction to begin. You may have seen photos of the recent grading and drainage work. Concrete forms and culverts are slowly replacing the old rustic wooden beams that held the brunt of the load of rail cars. Temporary warning signs are posted to keep appropriate boundaries between heavy equipment and onlookers. Please remain respectful during this time and heed warning signs. The first phase of the Ecusta Trial is underway and should be finished by year’s end.
Henderson County Rail-Trail
Advisory Committee
By Cindy Ruzak
Chair Chris Burns called the meeting to order and welcomed new RTAC member Patrick Kennedy.
During the opening public comment, Austin and Andrea Bankert, owners of Cognative Brew House in Horseshoe, asked if there are any plans for pedestrian traffic at the intersection of Highway 64 and South Rugby Road. Specifically, they wondered about crosswalks and sidewalks to accommodate bikers from the Ecusta Trail, as well as pedestrians to their business and other businesses in the area, and if the speed limit could be lowered.
Henderson County Planning Director, Autumn Radcliff said they are looking into a couple of new grant options with the NCDOT. At some point it will become beneficial for business owners to write letters in support of the grants. Henderson County engineer Marcus Jones added that he also is waiting on a proposal for a 30% design, so things will be ready to move forward once funds are obtained. As far as speed reduction, the recommendation was to petition the DOT directly.
Mark Tooley, president of the Friends of the Ecusta Trail, reported that the review of the website for the organization is underway and will be completed this summer.
Jones reported that Phase 1 construction is on schedule for December completion, with the drainage being the current focus as it was last month. The contractor, NHM, is installing cross-drainage pipes, abutments for bridges and re-grading ditches. In some cases where the position of the trail makes it impossible to grade, they are installing buried pipe for drainage. Also, the contractor has run into “bad soil” where density of the soil negates drainage, so it is being removed and replaced.
Jones also mentioned that it now looks likely the two remaining sections of the trail may be contracted at the same time, providing cost savings, with a tentative timeline of 3-4 years to completion.
Amenities are being included in the Ecusta Trail West section plan, while they had been pulled out of the Ecusta Trail East section plan due to grant requirement wording. However, funding is now available to cover East section amenities, and he is working on advancing from the 30% to 100% design for those to catch up in time for construction.
Brevard’s council was participating online, and Mayor Maureen Copelof reported that the Brevard trail portion’s 30% design should be completed. Having received a $1 million funding commitment, they can move directly to the 90% design. She jested that perhaps Henderson can get caught up.
Brent Detwiler of the Hendersonville Director Public Services Department gave a detailed explanation of the final plan for the bike traffic to transit from the Kanuga trailhead into downtown Hendersonville. There will be two 5-foot-wide bike paths, one for each direction along the south end straight road portion of Main Street that are located generally between parked car areas and the sidewalk in the downtown area to Allen Street. Dedicated crosswalk signals will aid pedestrians and bikers to navigate the area, and a bike corral of some sort is planned for the area in front of the Visitors Center. Paving work will begin around Memorial Day, followed by striping. Some placement of the more permanent bollards might be delayed until after the Apple Festival due to logistical concerns for the event. Striping bids are still being solicited, and if there continues to be some difficulty in that regard, then some of the striping may need to be done with the city’s own crews.
Chris Burns asked if there would be any signage to get people down 4th Street to the Oklawaha Trail. Radcliff said she is working with the business partners group to map a safe route to do so. Detwiler added that the “Above the Mud” project is working on a public survey that has gone out to Friends of the Ecusta and others for input on that connection, along with connecting to 7th Ave.
Ken Shelton summarized the positive presentation made by Swamp Rabbit Trail partners to the Ecusta Trail Partners meeting, especially about the multiple ways they collaborate to solve problems such as parking. He suggested that at each of the RTAC meetings there be a discussion of updates with partners and naming opportunities.
Radcliff agreed that whenever there was something new with the partners that it would be mentioned, but perhaps not at every meeting. Jones said it is better to wait until amenity contracts have been let to see what will be in place first before specific naming opportunities are offered.
The end of meeting public comment period yielded a question from Tooley on whether or not a policy would be issued regarding pedal assisted e-bikes. The consensus from multiple persons was to maintain a reliance on etiquette education versus policy until there is an apparent reason to do differently.
Selena Einwechter, RTAC vice chair, asked if the park rules (under which Ecusta will fall) are published regarding such concerns. Several persons indicated that some guidelines are being worked on, with Tooley adding that Friends of the Ecusta Trail is also planning some published guidelines.
To learn more about the South Main Street Bike and Pedestrian Improvements please click here.
To see detail pictures of the South Main Street Bike and Pedestrian Improvements please click here.
Next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for May 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
Brevard Ecusta Trail
Advisory Board
By Matt Revis
After verification of a quorum, Aaron Baker (Brevard City Council) convened this month’s meeting as Co-Chair in the absence of Mayor Copelof. Selena Einwechter was welcomed and will be attending meetings as a representative from the Henderson County Rail Trail Advisory Committee (RTAC).
Wilson Hooper (City Manager) proposed the need for a meeting of closely interested ET partners. Proposed attendees would include representatives from the Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET), Brevard Parks and Recreation, and the Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board (ETAB). The purpose of these discussions is to describe outcomes regarding eventual governance of the Ecusta Trail when the Brevard (ETAB) is disbanded, which according to its charter is at the end of trail construction. Hooper emphasized the importance of defining these governance roles long before the ET is completed in Transylvania. In addition, he added the necessity to begin considering the impact of a busy ET on the everyday work of City staff.
Mark Tooley (FOET) added that the FOET must also develop new visions to guide the non-profit when the ET becomes a reality. The current FOET goals are tied to planning, fund-raising, and coordination of local efforts to create the Trail. However, the need for ongoing ET support and oversight continues after construction, creating a vital role for a re-envisioned FOET. Tooley requested a response from the City of Brevard to a letter asking for help with this task.
Paul Ray (Brevard Planning) reported that public engagement will begin again with a new June ET newsletter to be sent to property owners adjacent to the Trail. Also, following Brevard Planning presentations to public officials, a potential meeting with the adjacent property owners is tentatively planned for July.
Clark Lovelace (Tourism Development Authority) reported that the TDA has approved revision of the agreement between the TDA and City of Brevard for distribution of a $1M grant over 4 years for ET construction. Mr. Hooper expressed his intention to ask for $250K soon to help cover upcoming engineering costs. Mr. Tooley inserted that the FOET will also contribute significantly to engineering costs. Councilman Baker highlighted the unseen discussions that have resulted in the availability of these contributions.
Selena Einwechter shared the enthusiasm generated by construction starting in Henderson County. She remains confident that the first 5-mile section of Henderson County’s trail, termed Ecusta East, will be completed by the end of 2024. In addition, she revealed that the City of Hendersonville intends to build a path from downtown to the ET. Many committee members followed with comments supporting the idea of using the Trail to bring people into downtown Brevard and Hendersonville. Similar positive consumer traffic is expected in Laurel Park, Horse Shoe, Etowah, and Penrose.
In further discussion, planned NCDOT road construction will intersect with the ET in a couple of locations. Lonnie Watkins agreed that the NCDOT is open to designing new road construction in ways that promote trail access and safety. Hooper suggested that Transportation Planning and Development (TPD), the chosen engineering firm for Transylvania ET design, be tasked with developing such recommendations for the DOT. The Committee approved this.
Next meeting is scheduled for May 29, 2024, at 3:30 PM.
Help Make Hendersonville Safe
for Walking and Biking
May ET Events
Henderson County R-TAC Meeting
May 8, 2024 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/bc-rtac
____________________________
Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting
May 29, 2024 @ 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers.
FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, John Lanier, RJ Miner, Matt Revis and Cindy Ruzak.
STAY CONNECTED
GET INVOLVED
FOR TRAIL CONSTRUCTION QUESTIONS CONTACT:
Marcus Jones, P.E. Henderson County
Director of Engineering
(828) 694-6526