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By Lynn Hotaling
Some 60 opponents of a proposed Southern Loop bypass were on hand
Tuesday night (Oct. 14) to urge county officials to take a stand
against a new highway.
Commissioners are considering a resolution requesting a comprehensive
traffic study of the Sylva-Dillsboro-Cullowhee area.
Speaking on behalf of the Smart Roads Alliance, former Commissioner
Jay Coward asked current Jackson County commissioners to amend
their resolution 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.
All four of the county's incorporated towns - Sylva, Dillsboro,
Webster and Forest Hills - have passed resolutions opposing the
proposed bypass, Coward said.
"We feel the commissioners need to act in accord with these
municipalities," Coward said, adding that his group had collected
more than 3,000 signature on a petition opposing the current Southern
Loop proposal.
Coward said N.C. Department of Transportations' position that
they planned to make a decision whether to build a Southern Loop
before doing anything to address existing traffic concerns on
N.C. 107 was "backward" and said more local input was
needed into transportation planning.
Commissioners' Chairman Stacy Buchanan, who indicated he would
amend his draft resolution to add language opposing a Southern
Loop until a comprehensive planning process is completed, said
he had specified increased local participation in the proposed
resolution.
"I felt like the county should take a leadership role,"
he said.
Examining future transportation needs goes "hand in hand"
with the county's Smart Growth planning, Buchanan said.
Commissioners are expected to take action on that resolution during
their Tuesday, Oct. 21, meeting.
Other matters expected to be considered during next week's meeting
include:
- 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.
- A proposal from Ray Trine of Cashiers to close a portion of
S.R. 1148 (Knob Creek Road).
- Contracting for 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 county Manager Ken Westmoreland indicated
a need to plan utilities, storm drainage and roads for the entire
site.
- Funding for a planned Cullowhee Fire Department Caney Fork substation.
Cullowhee has already executed a contract with Morton Builders
to construct the substation at a cost of $160,000, Westmoreland
said.
Commissioners will decide whether to pay that amount in full or
to borrow the money to construct the substation.
In other business Oct. 14:
- County officials Tuesday approved Verizon's request to locate
a cell tower on Hebron Lane in Willets.
Commissioners' approval was required because the tower will require
clearing about .36 acres, which is .11 acres more than the .25
acres allowed under the recently passed cell tower ordinance.
- County leaders authorized a contract with Hadenstanziale of
Charlotte to prepare a comprehensive recreation plan for Jackson
County.
- Commissioners will hold a work session at 5 p.m. next Tuesday,
Oct. 21, to discuss the proposed subdivision ordinance. The regular
meeting will begin at 6 p.m.
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