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Webster leaders discuss sidewalk fire hydrant
By Lynn Hotaling
The good news for Webster officials is that the sidewalk is finished. The bad news is that there’s a fire hydrant in the middle of it.
Webster leaders spent part of their Sept. 1 session discussing ways to resolve the problem.
Mayor Steve Gray told town board members he had written to the N.C. Department of Transportation for advice on removing the hydrant from the walkway.
Board member Billie Bryson focused on the positive, commenting that “lots of people” are making use of the new sidewalk.
Zoning Administrator Jim Myers downplayed the problem.
“You can walk around the fire hydrant,” he said.
However, board member Jean Davenport said it could be difficult for those with handicaps.
“I’m thinking of someone in a wheelchair,” she said.
A Sept. 1 letter from DOT District Engineer Jonathan Woodard indicates DOT is aware of the problem and that there are actually two hydrants within the sidewalk. One, which is in the middle of the sidewalk, should be relocated, Woodard’s letter says. The other, adjacent to McNair Lane, should be evaluated to ensure a 5-foot clearance, according to the letter.
Gray said earlier this week that he has discussed the matter with Woodard, and that the engineer will contact Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority about moving the hydrant.
In other business Sept. 1:
– Board members discussed but did not vote on a proposed neighborhood commercial zoning classification.
The new zoning designation would be for Webster’s entire periphery and regulates the type of businesses that could go there, said town board member Kirk Stephens.
“It’s called neighborhood commercial and it’s only for certain businesses – those that are family-friendly and don’t stay open too late or open too early.”
– Board members also discussed proposed renovations to their town hall, including a heating and air conditioning system. Officials are in the process of obtaining estimates for the work.
– A public hearing on Webster’s cable franchise will be held at 6:45 on Thursday, Oct. 6, before the town’s regular 7 p.m. meeting. Mediacom’s Maggie Blythe has indicated she would attend and go over the cable company’s proposal with town officials.
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