Council names bike-path committee

VERNON - The town council approved all 18 proposed members of a new bike path committee at the township council meeting Monday. After a brief discussion, the council decided to add Joel Schlesinger, a member of the Open Space Committee, to the bike path group. The three members of the Open Space group had originally applied to be included in the bike path planning. "I think there needs to be some interaction and cooperation," said Neil Desmond, councilman, who added: "Let's allow these others to focus on the bike path." Schlesinger was the exception, as he originally became involved on the Open Space Committee specifically to work on the bike path, according to Vernon Deputy Mayor Janet Morrison. Morrison said, otherwise the council risked punishing Schlesinger for getting involved early. Members of the new bike path committee include Frank Colace, a member of the Orange County and Skylands Bike Clubs, and John Logan, former Vernon mayor. "We have a mix of people who know a lot about putting together a bike trail," said Morrison. "One of my reasons for volunteering was I felt that local bike clubs should have representation in terms of ideas, fundraising and manpower," said Colace. Although only the preliminary steps of forming the committee has been discussed, he is looking forward to sharing ideas for the path. "A bike path is something I am quite interested in and looking forward to making a reality," said Logan, who bikes when he can.