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Russell Baptist speakers press county for access changes on Sand Ridge Road; commissioners ask staff for options
Summary
Multiple Russell Baptist Church representatives told commissioners that planned raised medians and closure of the church's eastern driveway on Sand Ridge Road will create safety and access problems for worshippers and event attendees. Commissioners directed staff to study options and report back.
Pastors and members of Russell Baptist Church urged Clay County commissioners on Jan. 14 to reconsider planned changes to Sand Ridge Road that would limit or close the church’s eastern entrance, saying the change will create safety risks for congregants, elderly attendees and sports-event spectators.
Pastor Chad Weeks described the church’s history and the potential impact of the road plan on its primary access points: “This meant no one coming from 209 or Cross Creek or from the East would be able to turn into our parking lots,” Weeks said, describing the original plan. He and other speakers said the church hosts regular events that draw hundreds of people, including youth sports and a voting precinct. James Urban, a church member, told commissioners the eastern entrance has operated safely for two years and urged the board to allow a curb opening with a drain: “A simple curb opening with a drain like the one at Granary Park exit…would allow us to retain this vital access point,” he said.
Speakers also warned that the change would force elderly and disabled attendees to make risky u-turns on Sand Ridge Road. Multiple speakers said the church had attempted to negotiate and accepted changes under duress; they asked the county to revisit median design or provide alternate access.
County Engineer Richard Smith and Bond Transportation Program Administrator Ed Dendor answered questions and said staff would examine options. Smith recommended that, if property lines are consolidated or other access changes are pursued, applicants use a “combination plat” to create a single parcel and avoid future title confusion. Dendor said staff would develop metrics and a short list of options; he told the board he would work with planning and engineering staff and return with analysis.
Commissioners did not take a final vote on a change at the Jan. 14 meeting. Several commissioners expressed interest in pursuing alternatives that balance arterial safety with the church’s access needs and directed staff to return with potential solutions and cost implications.
Quotes "We are petitioning you to please help us keep access to our property so that we can continue to safely serve the community and fulfill the mission that Christ has called us to," Pastor Chad Weeks told the board during public comment.
