The resolution of intent to close a portion of North Elkin Drive received no motion from any of the attending commissioners, thereby failing. George Crater, Elkin's Planning Director, presented the resolution to the board explaining that prior to a public hearing on the issue, the board must first agree that the intent of the board was to approve closing the road.
Residents who use North Elkin Drive by access from Oak Road, would be forced to travel further north on North Bridge St. or out to US Hwy 21, travel south and access from there.
Residents concerns include the additional miles to go around, the lack of fire and police access, the lack of a fire department close to their area, and the overall disruption to their daily lives. Complaints were also heard that the church didn't need to build in between the two buildings using the street itself, and that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Several residents said they would be at the public hearings if it got that far. None of the residents The Tribune spoke to would allow us to use their names.
J.L. Lowe, board commissioner, asked Crater how residents would get onto North Bridge Street with there being no stop lights to help them turn out onto N. Bridge.
"The only other access point is for everyone to drive up to Basin Creek or access from other points," Crater said.
Commissioners wanted to know the legal process of approving this particular resolution.
"The board must declare intent to close the road prior to the planning board's bringing the resolution to the board and scheduling public hearings," Raymond Parker, Elkin's attorney said. " The board has to decide without public comment or conditions if it is their intent to close the street."
With further questions from board members, Crater further tried to explain the additional steps that have to be taken when giving consideration to closing a road.
"There is this extra step," Crater said. "There will also be four notifications in the newspaper of the public hearing along with zoning signs being placed at both ends of North Elkin Drive."
"Closing a street has a lot of detail, especially one that is being used as a street," Parker said.
After all questions were answered and Mayor Pro-tem Joe Walker called for a motion to approve the resolution, no motions were made. The resolution failed.
No further discussion on a future presentation of the resolution was heard.
Mutliple phone calls to Elkin Valley Baptist Church on Tuesday were made with no return phone calls.
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