Solon Council Moves Forward on Headwaters Connector Greenway Trail

At its November 17, 2025 meeting, Solon City Council took two formal actions to advance the Headwaters Connector Greenway project, a rail‑to‑trail bike path planned along an abandoned Norfolk Southern rail line.

Council approved:

• Ordinance 2025‑209 – Authorizing the Mayor to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Bainbridge Township Board of Trustees concerning the Headwaters Connector Greenway project.
• Ordinance 2025‑223 – Authorizing the Mayor to sign a statement of willingness to assume financial responsibility for the project, as required under the federal rail‑to‑trail program.

Both items were passed under suspension of the rules and as emergencies, allowing the city to meet federal and rail‑to‑trail timelines.

Project Overview as Explained at the Meeting

Law Director Tom Lobe explained that:

• The project will convert a Norfolk Southern railroad line that is being abandoned into a multi‑use bike and pedestrian trail.
• This will be the second major trail tied to the Mayor’s long‑term bike path vision, following the Solon–Chagrin Falls trail.
• The new corridor will:
  • Run through Solon,
  • Connect into Bainbridge Township,
  • Extend toward Aurora,
  • And ultimately be part of a longer‑range corridor reaching as far as Arlington Cemetery.

Lobe said the federal government requires the city to sign a “statement of willingness to assume financial responsibility” as part of purchasing and converting the railroad right‑of‑way for trail use. He noted the city’s insurance counsel confirmed the trail can be covered under Solon’s existing policy.

Mayor’s Comments on the Headwaters Trail

Mayor Edward H. Kraus thanked council for supporting the “new Headwaters trail” and linked it directly to the success of the Solon to Chagrin Falls trail, saying residents already stop him on the trail to express appreciation.

He described the Headwaters Connector Greenway as another key piece in building out a network of connected trails that support recreation, connectivity, and quality of life for residents and workers.