Street abandonment questioned

A request from Chico State University for the city to abandon a portion of Cherry Street—and several parking places—to allow bicycle parking at the new Wildcat Activity Center (pictured) drew some sharp responses at the Chico City Council meeting Tuesday (June 17).

One speaker, Ken Fleming, questioned the university’s whole bike plan, saying its north-south bike path debouched on Second Street, “which nobody in his right mind would ever ride on.” And Michael Reilley wondered why the university didn’t plan for the rack to be on its own property, rather than the city’s.

Ultimately the council voted to approve the motion of intention to abandon the street, but emphasized that it required a public hearing at which people could express their reservations. That hearing is set for the council’s July 15 meeting.