Bluff dispute and Green Island plans on city council agenda

A dispute over allowing La Crosse hikers and bikers to access bluff trails from street level could be decided by the city council on Thursday night.

Council members are being asked to rezone two lots on 29th Street, to provide access points to a proposed outdoor trail being called Grandma’s Gateway. 

Trail users, and homeowners who oppose the rezoning, have filled the council chambers for a series of meetings in the last month to debate the trail plans. 

Property owners worry about traffic hazards and potential erosion on the bluffs, and argue that the city hasn’t told them enough about the Gateway project. 

Three-fourths of the 13 council members would have to vote ‘yes’ to approve the rezoning.  

Also on the council agenda is a construction bid on the tennis court project at the Green Island ice arena. 

The bid is $1.1 million to build outdoor tennis courts, a plan which has led to questions about the future of indoor ice sports at Green Island. 

Mayor Tim Kabat is hoping to keep hockey and other ice-related activity at the arena for at least one more year.    

The La Crosse common council meeting begins at 6 p.m.