Newberg resident urges commissioners to advance Yamhillis Westsider Trail as a public-safety measure
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Summary
Melody McMaster described the 1991 death of a friend struck while training on North Valley Road and urged commissioners to move forward with the Yamhillis Westsider Trail project to provide safer local places for biking, running and walking.
Melody McMaster addressed the board during public comment Nov. 6 to urge commissioners to support the Yamhillis Westsider Trail as a public-safety and recreation investment.
McMaster recounted that her friend Diane Davis was struck while training on North Valley Road in 1991 and said a continuous local trail could prevent similar tragedies. She told commissioners that many residents cannot travel outside the county to train and that a 12.48-mile former railroad corridor belongs to taxpayers and could be converted to a safe trail. McMaster asked Commissioners Starrett, Johnston and King to help move the project forward and cited safety, recreation and local economic benefits.
Quote: "If a safe trail system had existed, Diane's life might have been saved," McMaster said.
The board did not take formal action during public comment on the trail request; commissioners discussed scheduling and community concerns later in the meeting.