Regional pathways plan enters final stretch as Chelan seeks clearer communication on local impacts

EAST WENATCHEE — The Chelan–Douglas Transportation Council is entering the last major phase of public outreach on a regional pathways master plan that has drawn strong interest across the valley and particular scrutiny in the Chelan–Manson corridor. The plan’s recommended alignments went online about two weeks ago, generating more than 13,500 unique visitors to the project site, nearly 60 submitted questions, and comments from 177 residents. Public feedback remains open through November 30.

The four-corridor plan — connecting Chelan to Manson, Leavenworth to Cashmere and Wenatchee, Malaga to Wenatchee, and Rock Island to East Wenatchee — has been under development since early 2024. Executive summary reports are now available for each corridor, along with 10 percent design drawings that outline centerlines, grading needs, retaining walls, and boardwalk segments where shoreline constraints require construction on piers.

Project manager Jill Roszel of Alta Planning and Design told the board that public engagement has been “extensive,” with more than 1,500 people on the contact list and a steady stream of online questions. She noted that each corridor’s summary includes alignment choices, feasibility tiers, cost estimates, and a high-level benefits analysis. A full draft plan containing background research, detailed operational considerations, and implementation strategies is expected to be posted in December.

After reviewing comments submitted so far, the board opted not to launch the final formal public comment period until January. Board members said they want to avoid any impression that decisions have already been made while staff are still reviewing the current round of feedback and considering potential adjustments.

What the numbers show so far

Roszel provided early results from the first week and a half of public response:

• Chelan–Manson: About 30 supportive comments, 22 opposed, and 9 requesting more information.
  
  
• Leavenworth–Wenatchee: Strong support, with most reservations tied to highway adjacency and connections to the Apple Capital Loop Trail.
  
  
• Malaga–Wenatchee: 11 supportive, 6 supportive with reservations, 1 opposed (whose concern was simply lack of interest in a trail there).
  
  
• Rock Island–East Wenatchee: Almost universally supportive, with no opposition but some questions in early feedback.
  
  

The Chelan–Manson segment has generated the most mixed responses. It is also the only corridor where a few partial right-of-way acquisitions appear unavoidable, particularly near Rocky Point, where construction constraints require a boardwalk-on-piers segment to avoid shoreline impacts.

Chelan asks for a closer look before moving forward

Mayor Erin McCardle asked the board for a period of direct engagement before advancing to the final comment stage, saying Chelan needs to be ready to address resident misunderstandings about the city’s role and anticipated impacts. She noted that some residents believe the city is “paying millions of dollars for this study,” even though it is a regional project managed and funded through CDTC.

McCardle also highlighted long-standing community concern about having only one primary route in and out of the city. Residents who oppose the Chelan–Manson alignment often cite fears that adding trail facilities in the highway corridor could worsen congestion or complicate emergency evacuation.

Board members agreed that Chelan and Chelan County should jointly clarify how the proposed alignment was selected, what right-of-way needs exist, what costs belong to which jurisdictions, and how the plan fits within broader safety and mobility goals for the North Shore. Additional outreach is planned with lakeshore property owners, seasonal cabana owners, and the orchard growers who first met with CDTC staff in February.

The board will receive a complete summary of all November feedback at its January meeting. If the board is satisfied that concerns have been addressed and any needed adjustments are incorporated, it will then consider starting the final public comment period, with the goal of adopting the plan in early 2026.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media