Opponents of the Meadowcreek Parkway came out in full force at the City Council meeting on Monday night.
They asked Council not to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) needed for the issuance of a permit to construct the project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The agreement addresses steps to resolve the adverse effect the road will have on McIntire Park.
The MOA stipulates the inclusion of two rain gardens planted with native specie, a landscape plan for McIntire Road Extended to minimize its impact on the park, the installation of signs for a 35 mph speed limit, and photos documenting the park and the golf course.
John Cruickshank told Council that while the Piedmont Chapter of the Sierra Club, of which he is the president, opposes a road going through McIntire Park, the group supports the creation of bike and pedestrian paths to enhance the park’s experience. He said he saw “serious flaws” in the MOA and urged Council “to take the time and make it right.”
Although three Councilors voted favorably towards the memorandum, with Mayor Dave Norris and Vice-Mayor Holly Edwards opposed, members of the Coalition to Preserve McIntire Park are not planning a legal fight on that decision. They are conserving resources to prepare a legal challenge to the 250 Interchange, the third part of the project.
In late September, the Federal Highway Administration released a Finding of No Significant Impact for the interchange, something required for all federally funded projects under the National Environmental Policy Act.