Committee backs recommendation to finalize right-of-way for MC Riley Elementary sidewalk

The Beaufort County Board of Education Operations Committee on Aug. 11 recommended that the superintendent finalize a right-of-way with Beaufort County to allow construction of a 6-foot sidewalk in front of M.C. Riley Elementary School. County staff presented two options: secure a consistent 33-foot right-of-way for the full 500-foot stretch or take two smaller segments near utility poles and build the sidewalk around them.

Pam Bernard, the county presenter, said the full 33-foot option would require roughly 4,152 square feet along the frontage and would allow a straighter sidewalk alignment; the smaller approach would need about 1,500 square feet to skirt two power poles. "The 6 foot sidewalk is intended to go wherever possible within the existing," she said. Staff recommended the 33-foot strip if the district was willing to convey that much property; otherwise the county would pursue the two smaller segments.

Committee members raised concerns about moving utility poles and preferred the cleaner solution of a full, consistent right-of-way if the board would approve it. Arden, speaking for staff, said staff was "completely in favor" of the sidewalk and recommended taking the 33-foot right-of-way where feasible. The committee voted to recommend the superintendent finalize the right-of-way to the full board. The matter will appear on the full board agenda for final approval.