Cramerton approves resolution opposing heavy-traffic connector on Eastwood Drive

Nelson Wills, mayor, told the Board of Commissioners on May 5 that the proposed use of Eastwood Drive "would be a game changer and up to 20,000 more vehicles per day," as the board considered draft Resolution 2022-09 on the future of the road.

The board voted 5 to 0 to approve Resolution 2022-09, which states the Town of Cramerton's position regarding Eastwood Drive and directs staff to share the final resolution with the City of Belmont's mayor and town manager and other regional officials. Commissioner Helms moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner Kincaid seconded the motion.

The discussion centered on traffic and right-of-way issues. Commissioner Kincaid asked whether the resolution should identify the Eastwood connector more specifically and how it would be received by neighboring governments; the town manager said the topic had already been discussed at a recent Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting. Attorney Wolter said the next step would be open dialogue with peers.

Why it matters: Eastwood Drive is town-owned, and the resolution formalizes Cramerton's public position ahead of intergovernmental discussions about any new connector or changes that could materially increase neighborhood traffic. The board recorded the resolution as a formal action and will distribute it to adjacent jurisdictions for follow-up.

What happens next: The adopted resolution will be transmitted to neighboring jurisdictions' officials and staff for further discussion and any subsequent planning or MPO process steps. No specific acquisition or construction action was approved at this meeting.