Public Comments Received for West Jefferson’s CDBG-DR Grant Application
| # | Comments Received |
| 1 | As a local taxpayer, I am writing to let you know that the S Jefferson Ave Sidewalk project has my full support. Expanded the walkability found in the center of downtown out to Beaver Creek Road would be beneficial for locals, tourists, and businesses alike. It also reduces the risk of any negative incidents, as while driving I’ve had to avoid folks walking on the S Jefferson Ave road towards town multiple times. In addition to this sidewalk project, I would ask that the town consider additional sidewalks projects. For example- during Christmas in July, you have individuals parking at the West Jefferson fire department, and having to walk down the road to get to town. Having a sidewalk built from the E Buck Mountain road intersection to the fire station would also improve the quality and safety of our community. Another example would be building sidewalks to connect to the Ole Burley Market- an up and coming business area that currently has zero public sidewalks connecting it to the rest of town, leaving it feeling slightly abandoned for those who like to mosey around town. All that being said- I commend the town’s leadership for looking ahead and beginning work on the S Jefferson Avenue sidewalk project, and believe this is an important project that will improve West Jefferson for the years to come. Thank you for hard work on this project, and looking for ways to make our wonderful town even better. |
| 2 | I would love to see an improved sidewalk from Ingles to downtown West jefferson. The vehicles along this corridor constantly speed and many pedestrians are walking in uneven grass to avoid vehicle traffic. We also have many of the business in the few sidewalks we have, utilize the right of way desinated for pedestrian traffic, to display lawn furniture and such (see antique store for example). I live off kelly road, the sidewalk is on the other side of the road and its difficult to safely cross the 4 lanes of traffic, I think designated cross walks need to be installed. Which means sections of the opposite side of the road would need some short sidewalks to get pedestrian traffic to the cross walks. This would reduce the number of dedicated cross walks. Developments, like the property directly across from the ncsecu, should be required, to add pedestrian improvements as a requirement for infrastructure improvements. New commercial construction permits should require a minimum of 10% of the budget be allocated to accessibility improvements to increase sidewalks, ada ramps parking etc. Enforcement of existing conditions, town enforcement should be a priority for existing infrastructure, the antique store for example, also traffic speed enforcement along the main road, especially during peak traffic periods. The fire station at buck mountain road is and should be a safe haven location for all town residents, not being able to navigate safely from main street to the fire station along buck Jones road would be something I would like to see as a priority. I really appreciate all of the great things west jefferson has to offer, walk ability beyond 5th third bank is really not possible for most folks, in order for good development to happen beyond this point is going to be dependent on the walk ability from that point. Good infrastructure will bring good development and extend the downtown of west Jefferson by merging the old with the new. |
| 3 | Hello, As full time residents of West Town subdivision we certainly would welcome the new sidewalks proposed for South Jefferson Ave. I can’t tell you how many times we planned to head downtown to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping but then balked at the idea due to the lack of parking during peak hours. The new sidewalks would provide us with the option of walking or cycling without having to be concerned about the crowded parking situation. |
| 4 | I am writing to express support for the town’s project proposal to upgrade the existing sidewalk along the west side of S Jefferson Ave from Beaver Creek Road to downtown to a more functional multi-use path (MUP). This project is a high priority need for the safety of pedestrians and offer other transportation option along this highly travelled section of the main street through West Jefferson. There is currently a long disconnect between the commercial center of Town and other business areas outside of downtown. It is not uncommon to see pedestrians walking on the grassy road shoulder along this stretch. High traffic volume and a lack of dedicated lanes make bicycle use unsafe and impracticable. This important project fits well with previous transportation projects which have made West Jefferson a safer more walkable community. It deserves approval. Thank you. |
