Stop the Proposed Walking Path From Being Built 10 Feet From Residents’ Homes

We ask the City of Rensselaer to reconsider the proposed location of a public walking path that would run about 10 feet from homes in the Countryside Neighborhood, which includes 30+ condominiums designed for the 55+ and older demographic. 

The Mayor describes this trail as a community-use trail; however, a key component is accommodating community corrections individuals who walk to and from town for work daily. These individuals currently walk from the detention center on the outskirts of town via S.R. 114 into town. They will use the trail daily for this purpose, as it runs directly to the detention center, with a proposed Hawk signal crossing directly in front of the fairgrounds to accommodate these work-release individuals crossing S.R. 114. 

Many more questions need to be addressed before this plan can proceed. Providing transportation access for Community Corrections/work release participants is a stated justification for this trail, along with community access for recreation. What comparable Indiana communities have constructed a public recreational trail for this purpose? How do other Indiana Community Corrections programs address transportation for employment, and what alternatives - such as participant-provided transportation, bicycles, public transit, shuttles, or other designated routes - can be evaluated before proposing a trail that passes in very close proximity to private residences of elderly homeowners? 

Currently, the Future Transportation Map on the City's website does not clearly show the specific pathway alignment presented at the Town Council meeting on Monday, September 2026. A more detailed plan appears to be available at Town Hall but needs to be posted so the public can see its proximity to private homes and property, allowing all town residents to review it and provide input. 

To understand just how close this path will run along the backside of the Countryside neighborhood and homes, one resident measured and marked a line 10 feet from the side of her condo. The proposed path would bring members of the public extremely close to residents’ windows, decks, bedrooms, and private living spaces.

We support community improvements and recognize the benefits that walking paths can provide. However, we believe those improvements should be thoughtfully designed and should not come at the expense of the privacy, safety, and peaceful enjoyment of existing residents’ homes.

Many people chose this community because of its quiet residential setting. Many residents are older, have disabilities, or care for family members with disabilities. A public pathway located only feet from their homes represents a significant and permanent change to their living environment.

There are also unanswered questions regarding lighting, security cameras and monitoring, snow removal, landscaping, drainage, maintenance, and the long-term upkeep of the proposed trail. With the pathway this close to private residences, these details matter.

We are asking the City of Rensselaer to pause the current plan and evaluate alternative routes or design changes that provide an appropriate buffer between the public pathway and existing homes.

This is not about opposing parks, trails, or improvements to our community. It is about choosing a responsible location that allows Rensselaer to improve public spaces while also respecting the residents who already call this neighborhood home.

Please sign this petition and ask the Mayor and City Council to reconsider the proposed route before a final decision is made.