Mark Robbins, a Deer Run resident, asked Solon City Council on Sept. 15 to grant formal pedestrian and bicycle access along a city-owned roadway that connects his cul-de-sac to the newly built section of the Solon–Chagrin Falls trail. Robbins told council he and neighborhood supporters want the city to confirm access and ensure that property owners along the roadway get the same privacy and safety protections — such as fencing or landscaping — that have been provided to homeowners adjacent to the trail.

“My wife and I have lived here in Solon for 35 years,” Robbins said, describing the roadway as a natural entry and exit for neighbors and trail users. He said neighbors have already seen hundreds of evergreen plantings and some fencing along the trail and asked the council to “grant this access, extend the same protections, and finish the job.”

Robbins said he collected signatures in support of the request and told council that nearly all people he spoke with while petitioning had signed in favor. Councilmembers responded with appreciation for Robbins’s outreach. Councilmember Bentley thanked Robbins for coming and said several people who had initially opposed the trail had since changed their minds. The mayor said he and Robbins had discussed possible compromises and that city staff would meet with Robbins to finalize options.

The city did not take a formal vote on Robbins’s request at the meeting. The mayor said he would meet with Robbins and administration staff to work toward a compromise. No specific timeline or funding commitment for fencing, landscaping or formal access designation was provided during the meeting.