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Council prioritizes targeted sidewalk repairs and a new southern park while deferring larger projects
Summary
Council agreed to prioritize sidewalk repairs on streets slated for paving, pursue a $48,000 comprehensive sidewalk survey and consider a new park near the Highway 109 fire station; larger projects like a new City Hall and Plant B redevelopment were discussed but noted as lower immediate priorities.
Council members raised several infrastructure priorities at the Jan. 24–25 planning workshop, with a focus on pedestrian safety and lower‑cost community amenities.
Council Member Payton Williams flagged damaged sidewalks on Taylor and Spring streets. Public Works Director Daryl Poole recommended a comprehensive sidewalk survey covering roughly 25 miles of sidewalks to prioritize repairs and new construction, estimating the study could cost about $48,000 and noting Powell Bill funds as a potential source. Poole estimated a full sidewalk project on Memorial Park Drive could cost $800,000–$1 million and suggested lower‑cost options such as a curb and pedestrian walkway using existing asphalt.
Council members also expressed interest in developing a small park on city‑owned land adjacent to the fire station on Highway 109. Ideas included playground equipment, picnic shelters, and fire‑department themed play structures; the concept was viewed as a relatively low‑cost way to add neighborhood amenities.
Longer‑term facilities discussions included possible replacement of the Strickland Center (estimated $1.5M–$3M), a new City Hall (major cost and lower priority), a multi‑use training facility for city departments (needs further costing and partnership details), and cautious planning for Plant B with NCDOT related highway changes, brownfields and floodplain considerations.
Next steps: Council directed staff to prioritize sidewalk repairs on streets scheduled for paving, proceed with grant applications for sidewalk studies, and further refine concepts and costs for parks and training facility projects.
