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Mountain Air Drive extension delayed after residents raise right-of-way and ADA concerns
Summary
The commission postponed approval of 65% plans for the Mountain Air Drive extension, asking DOT and HDL to submit an updated 65% design with revised typical sections and updated surveys after neighbors warned of substantial right‑of‑way impacts to existing homes.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to postpone approval of the AMATS Mountain Air Drive extension 65% plans-in-hand after residents and commissioners raised concerns about right-of-way impacts, steep pathway grades and potential impacts to existing homes.
Connor Eshelman, DOT project manager, summarized the proposal as a federally funded AMATS project that would build roughly 0.5 mile of rural collector connecting Rabbit Creek Road to Sandpiper Drive and include a multi-use path, drainage improvements and a large culvert for Little Rabbit Creek. Eshelman said the team planned to begin right-of-way acquisition, expected to take about two years, and aimed for construction in 2029–2030.
Several neighbors urged design changes. Brett McKinnon asked that the commission withhold approval until updated surveys reflect existing house locations and to ask the design team to evaluate localized alternatives to minimize right-of-way impacts. "We think it would be more cost efficient to the municipality as well, for the right of way acquisition for, the cost to cure as well as the remainder damages," McKinnon said, and requested that the commission see revised designs showing reduced footprint and impacts to existing homes. Chelsea Bailey described steep grades, large cut/fill limits and concern about loss of usable yard and well impacts on her property.
Commissioner Edith McKee moved to postpone approval until an updated 65% design is submitted, citing the need for updated survey information and opportunities to reduce the project footprint. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ron and passed. Staff clarified the commission could either add a condition to require updated surveys and design changes or postpone to a future decision date; the commission chose postponement to allow the petitioner to refine designs and surveys.
