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Resident warns of pedestrian hazards on JH Batts Road; council hears developer-sidewalk status
Summary
Resident Larry Rice told the council that thousands of nearby residents and children lack safe sidewalks along JH Batts Road and urged enforcement of developer commitments; Town Manager Kyle Brewer said sidewalks were part of project approval, the developer’s phased work is being held, and staff is pursuing a multiuse path design and cost estimate.
During public comment, resident Larry Rice urged the council to act on pedestrian-safety problems on JH Batts Road and in the Waterside subdivision, saying many houses and children now must use the roadway to reach the community park.
"JH Batts Road is a very, very, very busy road," Rice said, and he described groups of children and pedestrians forced into the street. Rice said the developer, whom he named as Dr. Horton, had agreed to install sidewalks as part of the project concept and he urged the town to withhold certificates of occupancy or require interim safety steps such as lighting and roadside mowing until a safe path is in place.
Town Manager Kyle Brewer responded that the sidewalk requirement was part of the project approval and said the townhouse portion of the project is being held up until required work is completed. Brewer said he has asked the developer to design a multiuse path and provide a cost estimate and that the town is exploring whether some work could be done in house to reduce costs. "Although Doctor Horton is obligated to pay for the sidewalk portion, which is a little over 220,000 to get from...over to Community Center Drive," Brewer said, adding that town staff are negotiating options and that piping ditches to gain right-of-way is one possible approach.
Mayor Batts told Rice the town plans to follow up directly with the manager to provide specific answers on timing and next steps. The transcript does not record a developer response at the meeting.
What this means: The council heard a direct resident complaint about pedestrian safety and received a manager explanation that the town is pursuing design alternatives and holdbacks tied to project phases. No formal council action was taken during this meeting to change permit status; follow-up and potential enforcement or contractor negotiation were delegated to staff.
