BC 2017 08 21 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 21, 2017 (Regular Meeting) Page 3282 We are writing on behalf of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce to express our grave concern about the pending closure of the Lake Concord Road bridge connecting Concord and Kannapolis as a part of the I85 widening project. Over the last few weeks, it has been brought to our attention that local business owners near the bridge were never communicated with regarding the potential closure. When the project was initially planned, they were told the current bridge would remain open while the new bridge was constructed. Imagine the horror of a small business owner learning from a construction worker that the bridge you rely on to keep your business functional is now being closed for at least six months, with no prior warning. Further, when contacting the North Carolina Department of Transportation, this business owner was told that the Chamber was responsible for notifying all businesses. This was not something we ever said we would do, nor should we be expected to do. Upon further examination, it appears that very few were communicated with about this project. Both the City of Concord and City of Kannapolis were not informed, and they could have been great communication sources with capabilities of pulling together public information sessions. We still believe there are other businesses that do not know the proposed change in plans. Besides the economic impact to the various small businesses located in this corridor, this closure greatly restricts access between the two municipalities. Exit 58 and Exit 60 are both significantly affected with the widening project, and increased traffic and safety concerns are already issues. The proposed detour route will take a large number of motorists down Country Club Drive, a narrow and winding road that is already crowded. Lake Concord Road is easy and quick access for many to Carolinas HealthCare Center NorthEast. And while first responders were informed and have a plan in place should the bridge close, Cabarrus County residents will not know, and if they are driving a loved one to the hospital, chances are they will be limited in their abilities to get there in a timely manner, and restricted access could result in deaths. We are asking you to ask the NCDOT to honor the commitment they initially made to these business owners and construct the new bridge over Lake Concord Road while keeping the old bridge functional. we believe that even if it should add time to the project' s completion, it is the right and best option for our county and our residents. Thank you for your service and for all you do to keep Cabarrus County a great place to live and work. Thank you, too, for your consideration of our request. Best regards, Barbi Jones Executive Director Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce Joe Horton Chair of the Board of Directors Chairman Morris read a proposed letter from the Board to send to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) requesting the bridge to remain open until the new bridge is completed. Chairman Morris MOVED to approve the proposed letter to be sent to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) requesting the bridge to remain open until the new bridge is completed. Vice Chairman Honeycutt seconded the motion. Commissioner Shue requested more specific language regarding the impact the bridge closure will have on the businesses in the community be incorporated into the letter.