Board endorses Jones Street easement; developer to build sidewalk and crosswalk improvements near Smoky Mountain High

The Jackson County Board of Education endorsed a county request to grant an easement on district property to allow private development along Jones Street, with planned sidewalk and crosswalk upgrades intended to improve pedestrian safety for Smoky Mountain High School students.

The board voted to “endorse the Jones Street easement approval,” according to the meeting motion; the motion was seconded and approved in open session.

A district staff presenter identified as Jake described the proposal and a map included in the board packet, and said the parcel owner, identified in the meeting as Bill Chambers, proposes to develop commercial office space on a lot adjacent to the school. Jake said county planning staff (including Mike Poston and John Jarluski) worked with the N.C. Department of Transportation to design a sidewalk on the north side of Jones Street that would cross the new roadway, create a crosswalk and connect to the existing Smoky Mountain Drive sidewalk.

Jake said the easement and the developer work would “tie in” with broader pedestrian and bicycle improvements planned for Highway 107 and Love's Field, and he recommended endorsement because the proposed improvements would be “to DOT standards” and would improve safety for students who walk from Smoky Mountain High School.

Board members voted in favor of endorsing the easement; the meeting record shows the motion was made and seconded and the board answered “All in favor.” The endorsement directs the board to support county commissioners granting the easement; final easement conveyance is a county action.