From: nancy
Date: Sun, Jan 28, 2018 at 5:33 PM
Subject: objection to the proposed widening on merrimon rd in N Asheville
To: mgclark@ncdot.gov,
The current NCDOT plan requires lengthy study and input from all interested parties; especially those of us who live here. We do not want nor need to clone Hendersonville Rd; widening the rd 36% with 2′ meager bike lines. It is well documented that the wider a road the faster the drivers, the proposed 40 mph limit and the wider rd will encourage drivers to go 50-55. Imagine what the sidewalk will feel like with cars traveling beside you at this speed. All trees will be removed and forbidden.
The meager 2’bike lanes will also be part of the gutter! At present Lakeview Park has a poor ‘walk score’ of 52. We should improve this, not decrease it.
Additionally the NCDOT has tried to quietly push this plan through while :
- Failing to observe policy and procedure of NCDOT
- No consideration of local context and plans
- Failing to demonstrate needs; the traffic count of 2000 exactly same as last traffic count of 2016, 21000 cars.
- Designing a plan DANGEROUS to non motorized users
- Failing to present alternative proven designs such as a ‘road diet’ or ‘complete street’
If the purpose of this rd is to provide faster access to the growing towns of Weaverville and Woodfin, and the future development of I-26 this is not in the best interests of the Asheville residents and taxpayers.
Do not proceed with this expensive, unwanted and untested plan.
Thank you for your consideration.
Nancy Hines