Gas Line Halts Columbia Trail Parking, County Suggests Nearby Lot

In the same discussion that saw Washington Township Mayor Kenneth Short classify the town’s relationship with the Morris County Park Commission as ‘poor,’ the Commission’s Executive Director discussed the town’s under-utilized parking and issues with lots already constructed.

The discussion came as a part of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders meeting held in Washington Township last week, and Dave Helmer, the Commission’s Executive Director, spoke with Patch to clarify some details.

On the same note as defending the Commission’s extended time to install a crosswalk on Schooley's Mtn. Road, he said that in 1999, a conceptual plan was designed for additional parking at the Columbia Trail.

However, both the Elizabethtown and Columbia Gas companies have lines that go beneath the trail.

The Columbia line, being larger and higher in pressure, runs directly beneath the westbound parking area on the Schooleys Mtn. road access to the Columbia Trail.

“They donated 100 acres and eight miles of trail,” said Helmer. “But they retained the easement for a 20 inch line that runs underground.”

Proposals were eventually made for additional parking near the trail, and the Park Commission also sought to improve the opposite side lot (which is more defined and is the location for the weekly Green Market).

“We were able to make the improvements,” said Helmer. “But the gas company had to review it, and of 16 to 18 spots on that side, four or five had to be removed; the company does not allow parking within five feet of the centerline of the high pressure gas line.”

No stakes, signs or fencing is permitted parallel to the line, and the Commission was then put on notice to enforce the removal of spots near the underground line.

“We’re trying to drag our feet (with the issue),” said Helmer. “And maybe get some reprieve for having to remove the spots.”

One way to buffer out some of the problem, according to Helmer, is to utilize a 40-car lot off Fairview Avenue, which was installed from 2002 to 2003.

“It’s about a quarter mile away from Schooleys Mtn. Rd., but there’s 40 spots and we’re prepared to add more; and add more signage for overflow parking,” he continued. “Also, on the eastbound side, 20 spots were reduced to 14 because some were over a power line.”

The Commission has a 75-foot easement at the base of the lot for parking, but with average spaces being about 10x20 ft., work at the site becomes very difficult.

“There’s not a lot of room to work,” said Helmer.

Admittedly, he said that people are probably not happy about that scenario, but again urged residents to park at the 40-space, under-utilized lot nearby.

“It’s easy to increase parking down there!” he said, as the lot is comfortably located near a field that could expand for parking.

Also, the Director said that the commission may be willing to search for additional properties for sale, near trail access points, that may help improve the situation.

And as far as the Elizabethtown line, no issues exist, as that is smaller in size and concern for nearby parking.

“We’re working closely with the Washington Township Historic Preservation Commission, but must conform to the Columbia Gas protocol,” said Helmer.