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Raeford council asks architects for revised map after residents oppose Bethel Road closure for proposed high school
Summary
At a Sept. 12 special meeting, the Raeford City Council heard Hoke County Schools and SfL+a Architects present a plan to close a portion of South Bethel Road for a new high school. Nearby residents raised safety and traffic concerns; the council requested a revised map for its Oct. 3 meeting.
Raeford Mayor John K. McNeill III convened a special City Council meeting Sept. 12 to hear a presentation from the Hoke County Board of Education and SfL+a Architects about a proposed new high school and a plan that would close part of South Bethel Road.
Robbie Ferris, owner and CEO of SfL+a Architects, presented the architectural drawing and described the roadway change as part of the school site plan. Several nearby property owners said the proposed closure would increase traffic on adjacent streets, worsen speeding, contribute to littering and create safety concerns for residents.
Walter Scoville, who lives at 312 South Bethel Road, suggested an alternate option for closing or rerouting traffic. Ferris said SfL+a’s planning staff would consider Scoville’s suggestion as the team revises the plan.
After discussion between the Board of Education representatives, architects and council members, the council by common consent asked SfL+a Architects to submit a revised map and plan for consideration at the Raeford City Council’s Oct. 3, 2022 meeting. The council did not take a final vote on the road closure or the school plan at the Sept. 12 meeting.
Councilman John Jordan made a motion to adjourn the special meeting, which Councilman Wayne Willis seconded; the motion carried unanimously and the meeting was adjourned.
The Oct. 3 meeting will be the next opportunity for council members, residents and the school board to review any revised drawings and discuss potential traffic mitigations or alternative routing before the council considers any formal action.
