|
By Lynn Hotaling
County leaders Tuesday (Oct. 21) listened for almost an hour while
some 15 citizens expressed opposition to a proposed four-lane
highway but postponed action on a resolution asking state transportation
officials to put aside a Southern Loop bypass as a solution to
local traffic problems.
Jackson County's commissioners are considering a resolution requesting
a comprehensive traffic study of the Sylva-Dillsboro-Cullowhee
area. That resolution has been amended to include specific language
opposing construction of a four-lane road that would connect U.S.
74 at Blantons Branch with N.C. 107 at either Cope Creek or Locust
Creek and continue to U.S. 441, joining that highway in the vicinity
of Cagle Branch until a comprehensive planning process is completed.
All four of the county's incorporated towns - Sylva, Dillsboro,
Webster and Forest Hills - have passed resolutions opposing the
proposed bypass.
Several of Tuesday night's speakers asked commissioners to amend
their resolution again and include language specifying expanded
community input into transportation planning.
Commissioners' Chairman Stacy Buchanan, who said he had to seek
"compromise," moved Tuesday for passage of the resolution
as stated.
That draft document lists those who would make up a task force
that would work with the Statewide Planning Unit of the N.C. Department
of Transportation to come up with a comprehensive traffic study
and plan for the N.C. 107 corridor.
Under the resolution being considered, such a task force would
include members of the Jackson County Transportation Board, the
Southwestern Commission transportation planner and members of
the Jackson County Smart Growth Task Force.
The resolution further states that "for the purposes of (the
traffic study and plan) the Smart Growth Task Force will be expanded
to include representation by the county municipalities, Western
Carolina University, Southwestern Community College and the Smart
Roads Coalition."
Commissioners delayed action at the request of Commissioner Joe
Cowan, who said he would prefer more time to weigh Tuesday night's
citizen input before making a decision.
Though only about 15 spoke in opposition to a Southern Loop, 50
to 75 people who had signed a petition opposing such a road were
present for the Oct. 21 meeting.
Citizens who addressed commissioners were passionate in their
opposition to constructing a four-lane highway. Several said such
a road would take land that had been in their family for generations.
"There are people who believe a bypass will solve (N.C. 107
traffic) problems," said Susan Leveille of Webster. "But
mostly, it will help them get somewhere three or four minutes
faster. Should I give up my family land for that?"
Members of the Jackson County Smart Roads Alliance, including
Lydia Aydlett, Roger Turner and Jeannette Evans, emphasized their
group's dedication to finding solutions to existing traffic problems
as well as opposing a new four-lane highway.
"We want commissioners to understand how committed Smart
Roads is to solving problems," Evans said.
"We're concerned about future growth - that's why we're so
committed to involving the community."
Another of the speakers' recurring themes was faith in the ability
of the local community to achieve the best solution for Jackson
County's transportation needs.
"DOT told us they're planning for the needs of the people
25 years from now," said Peter Grant of Cullowhee. "I
trust the people in this room more."
In a separate road-related matter, commissioners also delayed
action on a request to close a portion of S.R. 1148 (Knob Creek
Road).
Ray Trine of Cashiers had asked commissioners Oct. 14 to close
a portion of the road.
The matter was tabled after Tom Massie of Sylva, who said his
family owns land in that area, expressed opposition Tuesday to
closing the road.
Knob Creek Road is "heavily used" in the summer, Massie
said. "It's a nice road just to get out and enjoy the beauty
of the area."
Massie told commissioners he hoped they would reject the proposal
to close a portion of Knob Creek Road and that he felt they needed
to allow more time for public input before making such decisions.
Commissioners' Chairman Buchanan recommended postponing a decision
on that road and indicated board members would reconsider their
policy on such closings during their Tuesday, Nov. 18 meeting.
In other action Oct. 21:
- Commissioners approved a hauling contract with Kinsland Trucking
to haul solid waste, construction and demolition waste and recyclables
from the county's Mineral Springs Road transfer station.
- Commissioners gave county Manager Ken Westmoreland approval
to develop a master plan for the entire 40 acres the county owns
off N.C. 116 across from Southwestern Community College.
Plans are under way to locate a new Department of Social Services
building there, and Westmoreland indicated a need to plan utilities,
storm drainage and roads for the entire site.
Commissioners postponed a decision on a request from the Rev.
Paul Christy to locate a Jackson County "mission center"
(a centralized location for organizations that help people in
need) on that property until the master plan is completed.
- Commissioners authorized funding for the planned Cullowhee Fire
Department Caney Fork substation.
Cullowhee has already executed a contract with Morton Builders
to construct the substation at an approximate cost of $160,000,
Westmoreland said. Some $21,700 will come from the amount budgeted
for debt service, $116,500 will come from the fire department
capital outlay line item, and the remaining $23,000 will be taken
from contingency funds.
|
