By Nathan Wilson Columbia Gorge News WHITE SALMON — The City of White Salmon held its second stakeholder meeting to further refine the proposed Bluff Connector Trail, a steep-grade, pedestrian corridor linking Jewett Boulevard with State Route 141, on Nov. 14. Consultants Harper Houf Peterson Righellis (HHPR) presented an update and rough design plan, but the 30 or so residents attending expressed mixed support.
Funded by Washington’s Department of Transportation, White Salmon is currently assessing whether the project is structurally and financially possible while incorporating public input. With no projected cost or construction timeline, Thuy Cao, HHPR public involvement specialist, first summarized the feedback they’ve received thus far. Between a previous stakeholder meeting and open house, residents identified many benefits: recreational opportunities, scenic views for public enjoyment, increased walkability and connectivity, wildfire mitigation and a greater sense of community.
The main concerns included loss of privacy, impacts on property values, parking, increased wildfire risk and maintenance. Starting near Rheingarten Park, the trail would cross Jewett Boulevard and meander toward Edgecliff Drive, with a viewing platform jutting over the bluff behind the Riverwatch Drive cul-de-sac. A series of stairs, walkways and other viewing platforms would then lead users down the bluff.
After Cao finished, several property owners commented on how more foot and car traf.