Protect - Don’t Connect is….
Protect – Don’t Connect is a community driven organization created by concerned citizens questioning the value and safety of the Project Access York pedestrian trail connecting the I-80 Interchange to the Beaver Creek trail.
Our goal is to start the conversation about concerns regarding the I-80 connecting trail as it will directly link to York’s schools, parks, ballfields, swimming pool, downtown, residential areas, and more.
Project Access York is…
In August 2022 the City of York was awarded a $15.6 million federal RAISE Grant for Project Access York. One component of the project is construction of a pedestrian trail directly connecting the I-80 interchange to many areas of our downtown and residential community.
Project Description:
This project will build pedestrian safety infrastructure for the City of York, including a pedestrian overpass over Highway 81 that divides the city, pedestrian trails for access to essential destinations, and safe cross-walks for schools.
Project Benefits:
The project encourages active and affordable transportation through reduced vehicle dependence, makes it safer for students to walk to school, and will adopt a universal design approach to ensure accessibility for all.
Source: Page 98, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, RAISE Grants, 2022 Awards
As Citizens, We are Concerned About…
Providing easy, open access for our children to the I-80 interchange area.
Failure to implement safe traffic flow measures (vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle) and failure to provide ADA accessibility beyond the trail in and around the I-80 corridor. These concerns will not be addressed in Project Access York. Trails should not be built to areas with identified pedestrian and bicycle safety issues.
Plan to seize acres of private property by eminent domain.
Jeopardizing community safety by connecting the I-80 interchange to our schools, parks, ballfields, downtown, swimming pool, residential neighborhoods, and more. Who and what would we actually be inviting into our community?
Placement of the connecting trail in secluded areas with low public visibility and very limited accessibility. No visibility = no accountability.
Failure of the City Council to consult law enforcement officials regarding the safety and accessibility of the proposed trail route.
Lack of transparency by City officials when asked about the project.
Limited opportunities for York residents to provide input and feedback to City officials.
Initial and ongoing cost of the connecting trail in relation to number of York residents who will utilize the trail on a regular basis.
How to Get Involved
Follow us on Facebook
Help spread awareness to the community about the project through our social media page. Talk with family, friends and neighbors about the project.
Display a Sign
Email us to request a yard sign or banner.
Contact Local Officials
Reach out to local officials expressing your concerns.
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MARCH 12 - Facebook
In August 2022 the City of York was awarded a 15.6 million federal RAISE grant for Project Access York.
This project will build pedestrian safety infrastructure for the City of York, including a pedestrian overpass over Highway 81, pedestrian trails for access to essential destinations, and safe cross-walks for schools. Source: https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants
But, did you know that this also includes a new trail connecting the city (downtown, ballfields, schools, parks, swimming pool) to the I-80 interchange area?
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MARCH 13 - Facebook
Project Access York trails can be divided into two parts:
• Trails at the heart of the city near ballfields, schools, parks, and the fairgrounds that will join to the existing Minck’s Park and Beaver Creek trails.
• A trail connecting all of these areas to the I-80 interchange.
The focus of Protect Don’t Connect is to start the conversation about concerns regarding the trail connecting Beaver Creek to the I-80 interchange area.