Public can weigh in on Tarentum-East Deer trail; 5-mile stretch would make riverfront accessible to all

A $4.4 million trail project in Tarentum and East Deer is expected to create public access to the shoreline, promote recreation and spur economic development.

The 5-mile path would meander through Dreshar Stadium and past Pittsburgh Brewing Co., providing shared-lane markings, known as sharrows, for bikers and off-road sections for walkers.

The public can view plans and share feedback during an open house Tuesday at the East Deer Township Building. There will be a presentation by consultants, too.

Construction is not expected for several years while both towns seek financial planning.

“We’re excited about the trail,” East Deer Commissioner Anthony Taliani said.

“There are some bugs to be worked out, but they’re not insurmountable. We want to give people a chance to enjoy the riverfront.”

Tarentum Council President Scott Dadowski said discussions have been occurring since 2011.

“What we’ve heard over and over is that people want public docks, fishing piers and sitting areas. The riverfront should be accessible to all.”

The nonprofit Friends of the Riverfront, which oversees the 33-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail, will make the presentation on a proposed route from Dreshar Stadium to the New Kensington (Ninth Street) Bridge.

Friends officials partnered with both municipalities and the architecture firm, Environmental Planning and Design, to develop an initial plan.

The firm is responsible for similar projects that include Aspinwall River­front Park, the New Kensington Corridor of Innovation Ideabook, and Greensburg’s comprehensive plan.

As proposed, the trail is expected to be 8 to 10 feet wide where possible. It will take many different forms along the route.

There will be sharrows along First Avenue heading toward the Tarentum Bridge and dedicated bike lanes along West Fourth Avenue near Weleski Transfer Inc.

Planners do not believe any street parking will be sacrificed.

At West Fifth Avenue, the trail would go off-road and trek past the new home of Iron City Beer in East Deer.

Taliani said there are a few difficult stretches in the township that would require the trail to be constructed along Freeport Road.

“It would’ve been ideal if the trail came up along the railroad tracks, but that couldn’t happen,” he said. “We’re hoping people come out to see what’s involved.

“When this is done, if you want to take a long bike ride, you can go the whole way to Pittsburgh.”

Business owners have expressed their excitement, he said, at the thought of more people coming into the community.

Tarentum Councilwoman Carrie Fox said trails can bring economic booms to communities.

“Trail visitors always look for activities, including getting coffee, shopping or simply a place to rest and take in the environment,” she said.

Fox said people already walk through Tarentum but without the added protection of pavement markings, dedicated paths or sharrows.

“If we can get the resources to help with the cost, I don’t see the problem,” she said.

The trail will add a quality of life amenity to both towns, Dadowski said. Residents can get their steps in, watch the river or walk the dog, he said.

“There’s room to have public docks,” he added. “Our riverfront goes the whole way down to Dreshar. We definitely want residents’ opinions as we develop this.”

Resident Georgie Blackburn told Tarentum Council during its meeting that she considers it a plus for the area.

“It will be good for everybody,” she said. “To have something where you can take kids and grandkids to the enjoy the river is a bonus.”