Plan commission supports bluff access points

The battle over access to bluff trails continues at La Crosse’s city hall. 

The city council chamber was packed again Monday night, by supporters and opponents of access points which could help hikers and bikers use trails on Grandad Bluff. 

The city plan commission voted unanimously to rezone two lots on 29th Street South, which have been zoned as residential. 

Christine Clair lives near that site, and has led the opposition to the access points primarily for safety reasons.

“Do we have to wait for a boulder to come down, and hit somebody on the trail, or hurt a trail user?” said Clair. “Or land in someone’s home?”

Among the trail users who want access point, Jed Olson said having the land added to conservancy property adds protection.

“When we want to talk about saving these lands and saving our bluff, being zoned as park and conservancy is really important in that,” said Olson.  

The commission narrowly turned down a motion to delay the zoning for 90 days, so more study could be done. 

The same issue will be discussed Tuesday night by the city council judiciary committee.