By Claire Sachse
At the Columbus Town Council meeting Aug. 28, councilmembers discussed whether to sign a commitment letter with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for construction of a sidewalk on Peniel Road from Walker St. to Wheeler St., and, add to the project to continue the sidewalk further to the entrance of the Holly Hill subdivision.
This meeting topic was on the agenda at the regular town council meeting held Aug. 21, but was recessed until Aug. 28 so that town staff could further research the history of the project.
Under the request for local commitment, the DOT would build 1,017 feet of sidewalk, from the intersection of Peniel and Walker Streets, along the north side of Peniel St. to Wheeler St. The cost of that section would be $35,000, of which the DOT has asked the town to commit $7,000, or 20 percent, toward the project.
Interim Town Manager Timothy Barth, in a memorandum presented to town council, also reported that the DOT would be willing to carry the sidewalk project from Wheeler St. further along Peniel Road to Holly Hills Drive, an additional 700 feet.
That extension would bring the project’s total cost to $59,094, of which the town would be asked to contribute $11,819, or 20 percent.
Interim Town Manager Timothy Barth said that the town had enough money in the Powell Bill fund to cover this cost.
“If we don’t do it, the 80 percent disappears,” said Barth, regarding the portion of the project that the DOT would pay for.
“If you want more sidewalks in town, and encourage people to walk, that’s the cheapest way to build sidewalks,” said Barth. He also added that the odds of getting this funding from the DOT in the future will be more difficult, and construction costs will increase. Additionally, Barth said that signing the commitment letter does not necessarily guarantee the project will happen, only that it will be placed into consideration by the DOT.
Councilman Ricky McAllister said that he had been approached by numerous citizens throughout the years about adding sidewalks to the town, and that he was supportive of the sidewalk extension.
Councilwoman Margaret Metcalf expressed concern over the speed of cars coming into Columbus on Peniel Rd. at the curve where the sidewalk could be extended, and the safety of pedestrians along that future stretch of sidewalk.
Councilmembers also discussed the possibility of adding crosswalks at Wheeler and Walker Streets, rumble strips to encourage motorist to slow down, and streetlights. They directed Barth to discuss these possibilities further with the DOT.
The vote in favor of signing the commitment letter was unanimous.