Elissa Yount: Lack of interest in HSR unfortunate
The Southeast High Speed Rail (HSR) Project Meeting with property owners in Henderson and South Henderson Industrial Historic Districts provided first hand information about HSR at a meeting hosted by the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments headquarters on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 2:30 p.m.
It was unfortunate that the city, nor the county, nor the Economic Development Commission had participants at the table. They should be the prime movers and shakers going forward. They should be chastised for their lack of involvement at this critical stage in planning. The Downtown Development Commission was represented by Phil Lakernick, who is also a property owner in the historic district. Tom Anderson, who works for the county, was there as a property owner.
Local property owner Tom Badger (left) speaks to North Carolina Department of Transportation Project Manager David Foster
The money is flowing in for this project. David Foster, Project Manager of the NCDOT Rail Division said, “We believe we will receive the funds for Charlotte to D.C.”
That means Henderson is on notice to get ready, and to get ready now. It was stressed that the city should have a pilot study for locating an appropriate facility for a station. It was stressed that LaCrosse, Virginia has made significant progress already, and that Morganton has restored a station, and they do not even have a planned railroad stop.
Henderson is getting a stop, but does not have a station, and the clock is ticking. In addition to this, there is a trail project for a trail to run continuously from Raleigh to Petersburg, and this may become part of the East Coast Greenway project. The earliest completion target date is 2018, with public hearings to be held beginning in May.
One focus of the meeting was to receive information from adjoining landowners about what concerns they have that need to be mitigated. There will be the opportunity to write a memo of agreement (MOA) which will spell out all the factors that need mitigation. This is why it was unfortunate that the city planners were not in attendance. The future look of the rail corridor will be determined to a great degree by what is in this MOA.
The landowners in the Chavasse Avenue area stressed that since the crossing is to be closed, they expected the landscaping and view to be appropriate and conforming to a historic residential neighborhood. Renee Gledhill-Earley, Coordinator of the Environmental Review Branch of the State Historic Preservation Office brainstormed ideas with the property owners. The property owners were encouraged to meet among themselves to bring back ideas for the future meetings.
Keeping the downtown attractive and inviting was stressed, but some property owners likewise emphasized that South Henderson’s old business district needs attention, especially since the overpass is to be at Alexander Avenue and the proposed trail may run parallel with the tracks.
The proposed designs were reviewed, and a pedestrian walkway at Peachtree Street was discussed. The underpass at Charles Street was deemed very safe, if not very unattractive. At this time, there is recovery grant money from the federal government that can be applied for.
Lakernick brought up the concerns of parking along the right of way for the apartments downtown, and it was learned that negotiations are being considered to purchase the right-of-way from CSX.
Many economic development issues were raised. A primary goal of the Economic Development Commission should be to get the ball rolling for a station facility in Henderson. A HSR stop would be a great marketing tool for this area. In addition, with railroad tracks continuing through to Richmond, the freight traffic should increase tremendously.
As the project moves toward incorporating all possible planning to minimize harm to historic properties, we know that there is no other feasible or prudent alternative to the HSR coming through Henderson. It would be best if all of us in the city, the county, and the Economic Development Commission took advantage of every stage of the process to work towards the best outcome possible.
To do that, of course, you have to be at the table.
Henderson, Vance County………. late as usual!
Comment by mudball — March 12, 2010 @ 1:39 am
I agree 100% on the imporance of this project and the possibility of being a great benefit for Hnederson. Our leaders should be focused and actively involved. I have attended 4 out of 5 meetings in refence to the high speed trail. I am concern that some of these meetings are held during the day.For those of us that have to work it makes it very difficult to be there.
Comment by live it — March 12, 2010 @ 6:03 am
You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. Henderson just won’t drink. Why are we always a dollar short and a day late. LaCrosse will probably end up with all the stops and Henderson will not be in the loop or reap any benefits.
Comment by Andrews Avenue — March 12, 2010 @ 6:20 am
You’d think that the HSR group would recognize that in today’s insecure work environment, after 5 meetings would be scheduled. Most working people are doing double the work load and can’t take time off to attend meetings. As for the unemployed not attending the day time meetings, perhaps they are too depressed to believe anything good can happen for them. Depression removes one’s ability to be hopeful.
I am disappointed that city council, county commissioners and the EDC did not attend. What is their excuse?
Comment by Warden — March 12, 2010 @ 6:23 am
Do they need an excuse?
Always a day late and a dollar short….or however that saying goes!! We will continue the downhill spiral that we are in.
Comment by Interesting — March 12, 2010 @ 6:47 am
I agree that Vance County has a low self esteem problem and it is caused by the way that our appointed (EDC) and elected officials refuse to be proactive in the best interests of our community.
Comment by Candace — March 12, 2010 @ 7:51 am
The only interest the head of the EDC has is what HE will benefit from – in his pocket!
Comment by Interesting — March 12, 2010 @ 7:56 am
I guess Sam figures he might not be around in 2018.
Comment by Archie — March 12, 2010 @ 8:35 am
Sorry to discredit your opinion article, but City and County planners/officials besides those you mentioned were involved in HSR meetings at the COG on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 as they have been all along. There were special times throughout the day for representatives of various municipalities and local governments outside of the one session that you attended at 2:30 pm. Rest assured Vance County and Henderson officials and planners are well averse of the situation. However, thank you for your coverage.
Comment by Jim — March 12, 2010 @ 8:37 am
No comment….for once!!!
You can only imagine what my comment would be!
Comment by Interesting — March 12, 2010 @ 9:20 am
EDC where wer they? That;s easy. There wer no cameras clicking away, no hands to shake.The Mayer did’t have anyone to smile at or to compliment. Then there is The age old question does the train come before the business or does business come before the train ? With Hendrson sitting on a great location in the middle of the North South highway system you would think that even the EDC would recognise the potential of also having available acess to the fastest rail service on the east coast of the USA. High spead rail service would be a home run for atracting new business to our city and county. I hope we do not mess this up.
Comment by That's the way it is — March 12, 2010 @ 9:26 am
Trying to figure out why people feel the way they do in this town is bewildering. Let’s see, they don’t like modern sewer and water lines or zoning (even some Commissioners are on both sides of this fence or flip at election time) but like the high speed rail and want to build a depot when it hasn’t been decided if there will be a stop here. They want more jobs and a higher quality of life but rant and rave and pick to pieces any downtown redevelopment or new business that is opening. I guess they would prefer downtown to be a bunch of empty, vacant buildings, like a ghost town. They drive to Raleigh to shop but complain that there aren’t more stores in Henderson – but of course with no zoning in the county how can they expect for any major chains to ever open here. They want the EDC to do less, no do more. A beautiful new library (that should be a source of pride and a staple in every community) that serves every citizen in the city/county is the subject of derision. Hard working, industrious citizens that operate successful businesses and employ people are ripped to shreds. It is pure insanity. My head tells me to delete this post because using this website (that could be an interesting community assett flush with advertisers) just lends credence to a negative forum – but my heart that loves this town and all it has to offer says fight the naysayers and counter the rampant negativity, this time any way.
Comment by Cricket — March 12, 2010 @ 9:46 am
Cricket, I agree with part of your comments, however, you need to be aware that Henderson has been approved to be a stop between Raleigh and VA. You can go to NC Transit website and see it there.
Comment by live it — March 12, 2010 @ 5:07 pm
Cricket, Cricket, Cricket … You just don’t understand.
The way to a successful, healthy, vibrant community is to sit on your a** and take anonymous potshots at those who try to get something done. This is much more easily done when Sam, The Boys and the Boogeyman come out from under your bed with a rolled-up Daily Dispatch when the lights go out.
Comment by Jonathan Swift — March 12, 2010 @ 5:13 pm
Cricket…we will stop telling the truth about Sam when he stops doing the negative things he does. Don’t ask me to list all of them because I don’t have 24 hours to spare.
Comment by Sick of Sam — March 12, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
Cricket, there are enough people who love Henderson to survive the prevailing tide of pessimism. Knowing that people are afraid of change and hindered by history is part of becoming stronger. I value all the negative thoughts expressed because it adds to my conviction that I have to do my share to make positive things happen. I don’t call people names and wish others didn’t, because it only causes hard feelings and gets us nowhere.
There is a wise scriptural caution for all of us to “be in the world, but not of the world”
Comment by Warden — March 12, 2010 @ 5:23 pm
I have to admit that it bugs me when I see posts that proclaim that Henderson will continue it’s downward spiral..as if it is a fact that can’t be changed.
I mean…what do you do with that?
I don’t get why people make derisive remarks whenever any public event is held..looking for whatever negativity can be found, or come up with..
In any event..I hope that the “movers and shakers” are paying close attention to this issue, and address the needs to move things forward soon..in an OPEN FORUM..such as Town Talk, HiH, city council meetings, etc..not behind closed doors and then make a surprise announcement in the Dispatch about the plan..such as where the station will be.
Comment by ziggy — March 12, 2010 @ 10:23 pm
I agree Ziggy. We create our preception/ reality, it can be negative or positive. We all know we have problems in this community. Some is social, some due to lack of leadership by public and private leaders. But this can change. There are many hard working and honest business people, they should be the ones confronting their counterparts, the slumlandlords, etc. We have government leaders that should be constantly challenged by us and other leaders to do the right thing. Above all WE need to take responsibiltiy for many issues. Its easy to be negative, because there are serious issues affecting all of us, not just here, but we are not helpless. Its easy to blame all the “powerful people” it allows us not to do anything. Lets all agree to take baby steps on at least one issue that interest us. None of these problems appeared ovenight. They won’t be sold overnight either!
Comment by live it — March 14, 2010 @ 11:35 am
solved, sorry
Comment by live it — March 14, 2010 @ 11:37 am
#17 – Ziggy – as long as the elections are rigged and continue to be rigged in Henderson and Vance County, yes, the downward spiral will continue.
When this changes, Henderson might have a chance, but not until then. People are all too willing to pay for votes so they can get their way.
You know this is true. How can it be different with people that don’t know a thing about what is going on making decisions? It can’t – pure and simple.
Comment by Interesting — March 14, 2010 @ 2:01 pm
Live it…I agree with everything you posted..
you’re absolutely right.
copy and paste that on every thread..(LOL)
Comment by ziggy — March 14, 2010 @ 11:31 pm
We’ll let Kevin do that.lol
Comment by live it — March 15, 2010 @ 7:07 pm
So true, Cricket.
Comment by wellington smythe — March 15, 2010 @ 10:00 pm
How were property owners notified of this meeting? I did not receive any notice by mail. I do not remember seeing any information in the local paper concerning this. I feel our town will be even more divided with the closure of so many side streets.
Comment by downtown property owner — March 17, 2010 @ 7:52 pm