Resident urges traffic impact study for 475‑home development near Bristol

During the public‑comment period on April 9, Don Thompson of 128 Ashwood Drive told the Sullivan County Commission he supports development but urged that it be responsible. Thompson said a newly approved housing development of about 475 homes between King College Road and Sacred Brook Road needs preapproval traffic and emergency‑services impact studies so that potential costs and access concerns are known before approvals and any tax abatements are granted.

Thompson said county and city practices should ensure that road geometry supports emergency‑vehicle access and that right‑ and left‑turn lanes be required where needed. He also cautioned against tax abatements that later shift costs to the county.

“...I would perhaps the county commission... require a traffic impact study, for instance, be performed before a development like that gets approved,” Thompson said (S16). The chair thanked Thompson; commissioners noted the comment and declined to take immediate formal action in the hearing, saying the matter would be addressed in appropriate review forums.

What’s next: Thompson’s concerns were filed in the meeting record; commissioners and staff may consider traffic and emergency‑services impacts as part of any future county review or with city/county coordination where applicable.