title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the Future Downtown Trail Phase 1
body
Department:
WMPO
Meeting Date:
3/18/2025
Contact Name:
Abby Lorenzo
Public Hearing:
No
Contact Phone:
910-341-7890
Advertising Date/Advertised By:
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment #1: Resolution
PURPOSE:
Attached for your consideration is a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the North Carolina Department of Transportation ("NCDOT") for the future Downtown Trail Phase 1. The MOU is the result of a coordinated design effort between the NCDOT Rail Division and the City of Wilmington to identify a conceptual layout to accommodate both the proposed trail and future passenger rail tracks and platforms within the NCDOT owned corridor between 3rd and McRae Streets. The MOU details the understanding reached between NCDOT and the City of Wilmington regarding the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and use of the future Downtown Trail Phase 1 to date, and outlines the responsibilities for each party in the progression and development of the Downtown Trail Phase 1.
BACKGROUND:
The Downtown Trail was identified in the New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Comprehensive Greenway Plan in 2013 as a 5.9-mile, multi-use path providing connection between Downtown Wilmington, and the parks and neighborhoods east of Downtown to Forest Hills. Ranked as the top priority project within this plan, benefits of the proposed trail include a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facility that will provide a safe means of connectivity to transit and other Downtown amenities for traditionally underserved communities within the Northside and Love Grove Neighborhoods. A Master Plan for a half-mile segment of the trail, between 3rd and McRae Streets and known as the Wilmington Rail Trail, is proposed within the NCDOT-owned rail corridor. T...
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