news-record.com

Darrell Gauthier complained to the Elon Board of Aldermen on Monday about the lack of sidewalk along East Haggard Avenue.

Gauthier, a local developer and town resident, expressed concern about the safety of pedestrians along the road, where sidewalk is scarcely found east of the entrance of Danieley Center at Lawrence Street.

Gauthier proposed to install sidewalks along the north side of East Haggard, running from the entrance of Danieley Center until Phoenix Arms apartment complex, across from where Gilliam Road meets East Haggard.

“This is a part of Elon’s sidewalk goals,” Gauthier said. “This represents one of the four areas of priority,” he added, speaking about the town’s sidewalk projects in its Elon Bicycle, Pedestrian and Lighting Plan.

The installation of sidewalks along East Haggard is the fifth-rated sidewalk project in the town’s plans, meaning it is the fifth most urgent sidewalk project the town is considering.

The project needs to be “shovel ready” before it can be considered for funding through N.C. Department of Transportation stimulus money.

Gauthier agreed to pursue having plans drawn so the project can be considered “shovel ready.” Sidewalk easement money would also be needed to offset construction issues, amounting up to $15,000. Elon University has already agreed to participate in half the easement cost, with the town paying the other half.

The board also heard a short presentation from Elizabeth Jernigan, an outreach and education coordinator for the Stormwater SMART project. The project, coordinated by the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, aims to educate local children and adults about the environmental impact on water quality. Jernigan asked the board to put her into contact with local community group leaders so she may reach out to the Elon community.

The future of the library — mainly the fiscal costs — was also discussed. Aldermen Mark Greene and Ron Klepcyk reported lower tax revenue as a result of the economic recession.
Alderman Jo Grimley said that the town needs the library and that all efforts should be made to push its development.

The board also began discussion about fundraising opportunities for the library. The naming of the library and individual rooms and even individual book shelves and benches all came forth as incentives to bring in donations. The board agreed that it’s open to all ideas for library fundraising.

David Koontz is a senior journalism major at Elon University. Contact him at david.r.koontz@gmail.com