Traffic Forum Notes

StarNewsOnline.com: The Voice of Southeastern North Carolina

"Officials, who were often jeered during the two-hour meeting, were sometimes stuck explaining planning or transportation policies and rules that residents were in no mood to hear.

Case in point was the Wal-Mart Supercenter proposed for Ogden near Middle Sound Loop Road. Although the land is already zoned heavy commercial, several speakers said it was obvious that Market Street can’t handle another big-box retailer.

“The road is gridlocked most of the day now,” said Ogden resident Michael O’Hearn. “Imagine what would happen if that went in?”

An informal survey, consisting of people raising their hands, showed near unanimity in the audience against the project.

my estimate 148-2

But officials indicated there might be little they could do to stop the nation’s largest retailer from building a new 260,000-square-foot store just four miles from its store at Market Street and South College Road.

The property is already zoned for a Wal-Mart, but there are wetlands issues that may change or cancel the project. Wal-Mart does not own the property yet, they will not buy the property until they are sure they can build on it.

Mayfaire and Military Cutoff was another hot-button issue Wednesday, with several speakers wondering how the project could have been allowed before Military Cutoff was widened."

Other notes of interest for Plantation Landing:
The Futch Creek intersection with the new Hwy 17 is currently slated to have a stop SIGN. (I'll link to a map rendering when I get a chance). I'm expecting to hear back with more details on this.
A new shopping center is proposed for the area on our side of 17, where the road construction is on the right as you head to Hwy 17 on Futch Creek. The proposal passed the planning committee as no one was there to oppose it. The sign announcing the meeting was posted behind the construction area and this was mentioned by a member of the audience. The proposal will be taken up at the next County Commissioner's meeting (see New Hanover County website for info). I'll post a picture later and link to more info.