Community demands transparency on RDU Airport's Lake Crabtree redevelopment plans

The Wake County government meeting on February 3, 2025, highlighted significant community concerns regarding the future of Lake Crabtree County Park and the potential impact of redevelopment plans by the airport authority.

During the meeting, several speakers voiced their worries about the loss of access to trails at Lake Crabtree, particularly for beginner mountain bikers. One speaker emphasized the importance of maintaining beginner-friendly trails, urging the county to approve the expansion of trails in the Umstead property, which is available for lease at a nominal fee. This expansion is seen as crucial for the local biking community, especially as Lake Crabtree may close.

Another speaker, Hoa Wang, raised serious concerns about PCB contamination affecting the NC State campus and its implications for public health. Wang, representing the Campus Community Alliance for Environmental Justice, highlighted the urgent need for transparency regarding the airport authority's plans for Lake Crabtree. He called for community engagement and a comprehensive master plan to ensure that redevelopment does not lead to further environmental degradation.

Wang urged the airport authority to delay any vendor confirmations until a clear plan is shared with the public, emphasizing the need for community input in decisions that affect local parks and natural resources. He also referenced a previous proposal for a master plan for the airport area, advocating for a collaborative approach that prioritizes community needs alongside airport operations.

The discussions at the meeting underscore the community's desire for transparency and involvement in planning processes that impact local parks and environmental health. The call for a master plan reflects a broader concern about sustainable development and the preservation of natural spaces in Wake County.