Footbridge

Two years ago Jonathan Sopher, a homeowner on Cumberland Street, brought to our attention the need to rebuild a 15-foot bridge. This small bridge provided safe and direct pedestrian access to Alison Park for over 25 years, before it was damaged by hurricane Floyd. Jonathan had written numerous letters to city officials. Although he even offered to contribute to the reconstruction of the footbridge with his own funds, he received only vague responses.

By May 2000 the EHOA office received over 125 requests from homeowners in the area asking for the reconstruction of the footbridge. This was not an easy task for the EHOA Board. It required recommendations from the City Engineer and our Chief Financial Officer, and the approval of the City Council.

Finally, last year we learned that extensive construction was going to take place this year around Sunset Avenue, due to the erosion caused by the waterways of Flat Rock Brook. Suddenly the reconstruction of the footbridge, which is nearby, began to look a real possibility. Last fall a beautiful playground was built in Alison Park and a different footbridge was reconstructed. These improvements were good news for the EHOA, but we continued our efforts towards rebuilding what was by then nicknamed “Jonathan Footbridge”.

About three months ago, serious safety issues were acknowledged when a car hit a child on Jones Road, very close to the damaged bridge. The City Council had to immediately address ways to create a safer Jones Road for pedestrians. The Council passed a resolution to place humps, lights, and about 1000 feet of sidewalks between Van Nostrand and Sunset Avenues. A lighted walkway will be placed across Fountain Road, and centerline stripping added along its length. All these safety measures were absolutely necessary for this narrow and dangerous portion of Jones Road. This plan was approved by the City Council on May 7, along with the extensive work re-channeling the waterways causing erosion on Sunset Avenue. The project also includes the reconstruction of the bridge that we now call Jonathan Footbridge!

It took two years of lobbying, and an enormous dose of patience, but our efforts paid off and the Jonathan Footbridge will finally be rebuilt! Once again, this proves that our homeowners association works!

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