Amanda Purcell is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Hudson Common Council will vote July 17, on the proposed route of the state bike trail through the city. The trail is part of the Empire State Trail, an initiative to create a 750-mile bike and walking pathway from New York City to Canada and from Albany to Buffalo by 2020. Supporters argue the bike trail will provide a boon to the local economy by bringing tourism dollars to Hudson. Paul Glesta, who represents the committee which routed the trail, answered questions from city residents at a July 9 public hearing at City Hall. He was joined by representatives from the state Department of Transportation. Under the proposal, the trail would enter Hudson from the south, beginning from Route 9G/23B, and continue north along Third Street. From West Third Street it would proceed along Allen to Front. “I think the main thing was just the concern of traffic and truck traffic here along Third Street, and to get people off of Third as soon as possible and onto Allen” Glesta said. One of two truck routes through the city enters via Third Street. The truck route travels on Third Street for six blocks before turning onto Columbia Street. The trail route was selected after consideration of several factors, Glesta said, including safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, existing conditions and long-term maintenance requirements, and more. The Common Council is expected to vote on the proposed route during its formal meeting 7 p.m., tonight, Jul. 17, at City Hall, 520 Warren Street. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.