Swansboro residents urge county to fix hazardous Halls Creek intersection; other commenters raise access and equity concerns

Bill and Joan Gertzen of Swansboro used the board’s public‑comment period to ask Onslow County staff and commissioners to examine safety improvements for the intersection of Hammocks Beach Road, Old Hammocks Road and 4‑H Camp Road in the Halls Creek community.

William Gertzson said the intersection now carries substantially more traffic, including large RVs and drivers en route to Hammocks Beach State Park, but has limited traffic control — “just two stop signs and no electronic warnings.” He described poor sight lines approaching the intersection, cited several recent crashes and said his family had been involved in one. The Gertzens left maps and documents with staff and asked the board to investigate options to improve safety at that location.

Another public commenter, Ari Rakowitz, described repeated microaggressions while volunteering in public settings and raised broader concerns about access to benefits, treatment by local election volunteers and statements made during early voting events. Rakowitz urged that communications with county officials be on public record and described barriers faced while seeking assistance; the speaker framed the remarks as a request for improved inclusivity and accountability.

What staff and commissioners said: Chair and commissioners acknowledged the Gertzens’ materials and said the board would request staff follow up, including reaching out to the Department of Transportation where appropriate. Commissioner Padgett and others noted they were familiar with the area and recommended the county coordinate with NCDOT on improvements.

Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to route the Gertzens’ materials to the appropriate departments and to pursue outreach to NCDOT to evaluate possible engineering or signage remedies at the intersection.