High Point hears hours of public comment as High Point University seeks Greenway reroute; council says no vote yet

At its Feb. 3 meeting, the High Point City Council heard more than two hours of public comment on a request from High Point University to reroute part of the High Point Greenway around the university campus; the council said it has received the request but is still in an information‑gathering stage and made no decision.

The topic drew a large turnout of residents, students and business owners who gave both detailed technical critiques and personal testimony about safety, accessibility and community character. Mayor Sheryl Jefferson told the room the council had received the university's proposal but “we are still in the information gathering stage of things,” and that city staff and the city attorney were examining issues including easements and title rights.

Why it matters: The Greenway segment in question runs adjacent to the High Point University campus and is used by runners, cyclists, families and visitors. Supporters of the university proposal said a reroute would improve safety and create an upgraded, 10‑foot wide urban path; opponents said the proposed alignment would move the Greenway onto busy streets, reduce access to a wooded, flood‑plain linear park and create additional hazardous crossings.

Supporters’ case

Several speakers who said they use the Greenway supported the university’s request or urged the council to consider the university’s plans. Melody Burnett, who identified her business at 515 West English Road, said HPU proposes a reroute “approximately 4,800 feet around the perimeter of the campus” with a 10‑foot‑wide pathway, a landscaped buffer and “ornamental grasses and shrubs” intended to enhance safety and aesthetics. “HPU plans to add a 10 foot wide…