week of 4/3/02
 
 
 
  State, town study bank’s road plan
By Scott McLeod
A plan to put a bank on a tract of land in front of the Belks on Russ Avenue in Waynesville has been delayed several times as state and local officials try to work out an acceptable road plan.

Clyde Savings Bank has bought 1.25 acres of land fronting Russ Avenue and Barberville Boulevard, the road that goes up into the shopping area anchored by Belks, Ingles and Goodys. They want to build a 3,000-square-foot branch office there.

To accommodate customers, the bank proposes building a deceleration lane on Russ Avenue for those headed toward the bypass. That lane would allow right hand turns onto the property, and those exiting on Russ Avenue would only be able to turn right. The road into the bank would be available for use by any other businesses who might purchase the remaining 3 acres.

But state roadway design standards recommend 400 feet between access roads on highways that carry as much traffic as Russ Avenue. If that standard is adhered to, the entire parcel in front of Belks would be served by an access road coming off Barberville Boulevard.

Also, the land-use plan now being fine-tuned by the Waynesville officials calls for the Russ Avenue area to become a more pedestrian-friendly district where new businesses would be served by already existing access roads and back-of-business parking would be recommended.

“So far we have been presented nothing that meets the standards,”said John Swift, Waynesville’s planning and zoning administrator. “I haven’t liked anything I’ve seen so far. It creates a traffic safety problem, and it compounds problems that already exist out there.”

Town Manager Lee Galloway and the town engineer have been meeting with officials from the Department of Transportation and Clyde Savings Bank. Galloway said the most recent plan put forth is similar to what was approved for Eckerds Drug Store at the corner of Howell Mill Road and Russ Avenue. He said DOT officials have indicated that they are close to approving a design with the Russ Avenue curb cut and then an access road off Barberville Boulevard, providing the bank with a loop around and through its property.

“If DOT recommends it, then I would probably recommend it for the board’s consideration,” said Galloway.

Ron Watson is the district engineer for the DOT. He said one of the problems is that the Clyde property owners did not know there had been an agreement for those who bought the property to have access only off Barberville Boulevard. Peggy Melville, vice president of Clyde Savings Bank, agreed. She said the purchase was subject to the bank being able to use the property for conducting business.

Chuck Brown, a realtor who has had several tenants interested in the property, said access questions have been important issues for most prospective buyers who have inquired about the property.

Watson said the state will not approve a plan that the town does not like. He also said the land-use plan now being considered by the town will weigh in his decision making.

“They are trying to make Russ Avenue much more walkable. Their idea is to have Russ Avenue carry a lot of traffic without a lot of driveways, having traffic go to the rear of buildings,” said Watson.

Watson also said, however, that the DOT design standards were only recommendations, adding that several businesses along Russ Avenue are not in compliance with those standards.

Melville, vice president of Clyde Savings Bank, said providing access on Russ Avenue would prevent backups on the road by those turning right onto Barberville Boulevard. Bank customers on Barberville Boulevard turning left into the bank could also cause back-ups, she said.

Town aldermen will vote on the plan only after the state approves a design.