Access to the Levee Walking/Bike Trail may be limited after Greenville’s Public Works Committee recommended reducing the hours of use in an effort to keep the area clean and safe.
Greenville City Councilman James Wilson, who is on the Public Works Committee, brought the concern before members at the June 17 meeting.
“We will have to put some no trespassing after dark signs up,” Wilson said. “We want to keep it clean and no one needs to be on the walking trail after dark. Activities are going on there that shouldn’t be going on – litter, broken glass. We need to address that.”
Wilson said individuals should be fined for being on the trail after dark.
Mayor Errick D. Simmons said the liability to the city plays a role in reducing the hours the trail is open to the public.
“While the water is up, anything can come up after dark,” Simmons said, noting residents have notified the city of increased wildlife activity.
“That water is up and a resident called a month ago saying they saw a snake.”
Wilson suggested closing the trail during evening hours.
“No one needs to be walking after dark,” Wilson said and suggested 8:30 p.m. as a closing time and 5:30 a.m. as an opening time.
“We need to keep it decent, where people feel safe to go up there,” he said.
Councilman Bill Boykin agreed with Wilson’s suggestion.
“Hoodlums ain’t going to be out at 5:30,” Boykin said and asked what fines might be leveed for perpetrators.
Wilson suggested $250.
“That’s a good start,” Boykin said.
Jermaine Thornton, public works director, suggested the open hours be set for sunrise to sun set to accommodate for daylight savings time.
However, after discussion regarding confusion of dusk, dawn and daylight the recommendation was to keep the hours from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wilson requested a crew be sent to clean up the trail.