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A committee of concerned landowners, residents, and community members will hold an information meeting about the proposed NC Hwy. 9 widening project on Thursday, Sept. 8 to raise awareness in the community about the NCDOT project.

 

The group invites the public to attend the meeting at the Green Creek Fire Department starting at 6:30 p.m. The firehouse is located at 8645 Hwy. 9 South.

 

The team that has been pouring countless hours into research, meetings and behind the scenes work, according to Sarah Hinson on the “Keep Highway 9 Rural” Facebook Group page, plans to provide the current status of the widening project. Anyone who lives anywhere on Hwy. 9 is invited to attend, as well as any interested citizens of the county.

 

The NCDOT has announced a $12.2 million plan to widen a 2.7-mile portion of Hwy. 9 from the stoplight at the Hwy.9/Hwy. 108 intersection in Mill Spring to the Hwy. 9/US 74 intersection, setting off widespread concern about the NCDOT’s plans for the entire rural highway stretching from the state line to Lake Lure.

 

A Change.org petition has received over 1,000 signatures as of press time.

 

Started by Amanda Pack McAllister, the “Stop the Hwy 9 Widening Project” petition says that “many people stand to lose yards, pasture land, and possibly their entire homes. On all of the landowner’s properties, fences, water lines and power lines will have to be moved and natural habitats will be disturbed. This is also a major safety issue, as many homes will have to endure not being able to use their yards as the highway will quite literally be at their front door. This project will also greatly devalue property. If the widening of Hwy 9 South moves forward, the current plan is to continue onto Hwy 9 North up to Lake Lure and Hwy 9 South from Hwy 74 to the SC Line.”

 

She continues, “This is a rural community that takes pride in their way of life. Many families have been on their properties for multiple generations. Please consider simply signing this petition to show our community support, help fight for the homeowners to maintain the land that is rightfully theirs, and help not waste taxpayer dollars.”

 

For further information about Thursday’s meeting, the committee’s research, the petition, yard signs, or T-shirts, contact Karen Pack at ktpack@windstream.net.

 

Later this month, NCDOT plans to hold an information session about the project for the public. It is planned for Sept. 22 at Polk Central Elementary School from 5-7 p.m.