Concerns Over Missing Sidewalks in Buncombe County’s Growing Suburbs
As Buncombe County experiences substantial growth, the lack of pedestrian infrastructure in its unincorporated areas is becoming increasingly evident. Residents of these regions, including Jan Nickerson from Pisgah Valley Retirement Community, are advocating for much-needed sidewalks and crosswalks.
Nickerson’s community, situated along Holcombe Cove Road in Candler, faces challenges due to the absence of safe walking paths. “Being a retirement community, we have folks in their 70s, 80s, and 90s with disabilities who need to get to the dining room, need to get to the wellness center,” she said at a recent community meeting. The meeting, aimed at gathering input for the county’s inaugural Pedestrian Plan, saw participation from many residents eager for safer walkways.
Felicia Sonmez
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BPR News
In the past four decades, Buncombe County’s population has surged by over two-thirds, with much of this expansion occurring in areas not incorporated into cities like Asheville. Despite this growth, infrastructure, particularly sidewalks, has not kept pace. According to William High, the county’s lead transportation planner, North Carolina’s unique road ownership laws have left counties without direct control over road placements, complicating sidewalk construction efforts.
“As our suburban areas keep growing, we need to do some new things,” High stated. The Pedestrian Plan aims to address these challenges by involving community feedback to guide future infrastructure projects. However, High acknowledged the limitations, noting, “We’re 100 years behind in building sidewalks. This is going to be a slow process.”
Felicia Sonmez
/
BPR News
Funding for the projects will primarily come from federal sources via the state Department of Transportation. However, William High mentioned that the county currently lacks a dedicated program for sidewalk construction, working instead with NCDOT on specific projects. Future funding might involve creating an independent capital improvement fund, but this decision rests with the Board of Commissioners.
Jessi Lee Cord, a resident of Emma, voiced her concerns about the lack of sidewalks, which affects daily activities like walking dogs or biking. “We’re in our forever home, and it’s the most beautiful area, I think, in all of Asheville — except we have to drive to walk our dog,” she shared. Cord emphasized the safety risks for those without cars, recounting a car accident involving a pedestrian she witnessed.
For residents unable to attend the meeting, online feedback is being collected until March 13. Those interested in participating can take the survey by clicking here.
