The Chatham's Walkability May Be Getting A Big Improvement

We in the Chathams are truly blessed with some of the best walking trails, and public walkway paths in Morris County. Living in a walkable community is better for everyone. It means we can all be healthier, kids can get to school on their own, commuters can get to the train station faster, neighbors can get together without driving, and we can all feel a little more connected to the natural beauty of this Garden State.

Besides the wonderful trails along Loantaka Brook and near Giralda Farms, we also have some fantastic public walkway paths that enhance our neighborhoods. As a Chatham Township resident, I often use the public walkway path next to the fire station on Southern Blvd., that cuts up to Spring St., and the walkway path from the back of Southern Boulevard School to Dale Drive on my neighborhood walks. I've frequently seen foxes, deer, and hawks along there, which always makes my day.

In Chatham Borough, I love the walkway path along the North side of the NJ Transit tracks. I also very much appreciate the public walkway path at the between Fuller Ave. and S Passaic, I frequently use when I park my car on Fuller (which currently has no parking restrictions on the West side of the street on the North end) and catch the train to Manhattan.

Recently, I learned that Sterling Sun Homes, the developers for the proposed Dixie Dale town-home development at Hillside and River Road, have included a public walkway in their proposal as an enhancement to improve the overall community. This proposed public walkway will start near Woods Lane and extend through a wooded area to both the east side of the property and River Road (not far from Stanley Park and the Passaic County Picnic area), and the west side of the property near the intersection of Hillside and River Road. This will allow for a pleasant wooded walking space that both the new neighbors at Dixie Dale and residents of the neighborhood of west Hillside.

This is walkway is certain to be a great benefit to all of the residents of Hillside Ave. and to anyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors. According to Headwaters Economics, "Trails can be associated with higher property value, especially when a trail is designed to provide neighborhood access and maintain residents’ privacy. Trails, like good schools or low crime, create an amenity that commands a higher price for nearby homes."

I will be looking forward to exploring this beautiful new walking space in our community in the years ahead and I hope that you are too.