Chesterfield Abandons Bid To Finish Trail Around the Valley

Council abandoned plans to complete a 4-mile stretch of a 16-mile Trail in Chesterfield Valley.

In a public pre-council meeting, city staff said negotiations led nowhere with over two-plus years, to use a portion of their railroad easment for the trail.

Ameren wanted the city to give up all legal say over how the property would be used, and insurance liability was also at issue.

“For us, there’s too many obstacles. It’s just kind of beatin’ our head against the wall,” Councilwoman Connie Fults said.

The council voted 7-0 Monday night, to end negotiations. Councilman Randy Logan was absent.

Staff said there was no money for the remaining 4-mile stretch anyway. The entire project cost $8 million. The project is $2 million short.

“I don’t think it would take anything away from our trail system,” said Director of Public Works Brian McGownd, "to not have that part."

Councilman Barry Flachsbart said it was important to alert the public that negotiations were at an end, and was not going to be completed.

City attorney Robert Heggie said if anything changes with Ameren and the railroad, he would be interested to follow up on the potential for the trail. Ameren is primarily known as a power company, and has only the one railroad line, he said.

Mayor Bruce Geiger emphasized the negotiations were at an impasse.