What Does the Future NOW Hold for Winston-Salem?

"tracking-the-future" Journal Article

We can all sit by and do nothing or we can stand up for what is right and what is needed for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.  If we do nothing -- we get nothing.  If we stand up for our area -- then we can all be involved in what is needed.

Why is the Beltway Needed?

• Relieve Traffic on Highway 52 and Business 40.
• Highway 52 is not up to Interstate Standards (with too many interchanges -- only four lanes)
• Safety Concerns on Highway 52 and Hwy 66 that show high accident rates.
• I-77 Truck Traffic is routed along I-74 in Mt. Airy to Hwy 52, converging on downtown Winston-Salem.  All of these trucks are then routed along Bus 40 that also has high accident rates.
• Commuters Do Not Feel Safe and Know All Too Well of the Problems on Hwy. 52
• To Make Our Area More Desirable for Current Businesses and To Draw New Business.
• Last but Definitely Not Least -- To Help the Property Owners in the Corridor to be able to move on that have been Abandoned and Forgotten by the state and our Governor.

What is Needed?

• 
  
  I-74/Eastern Section of the Northern Beltway - which WILL BRING:
• 
  
  New Industry
• 
  
  Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
• 
  
  A Stimulus to the Triad
• 
  
  Advance the Triad
• 
  
  Bring More Opportunities for the Citizens of the Triad

This is not a situation where we sit back and let the other guy do it.  It is going to require ALL of the Triad to band together and let our elected officials (local and state), the Governor and the NCDOT Transportation Secretary, know that this is our future you are ranking last and it SHOULD be a high priority for North Carolina.  The Global Economy is calling and without this high priority corridor (I-74), our state will not be able to compete and participate, if it doesn't provide a more efficient highway to draw industries looking for their next building site.  Distribution Centers logistically need this highway, along with other industry, because of the cost factor in moving goods.  If North Carolina is serious about promoting economic growth, then why did the I-74 rank last?

The Triad needs to start asking questions NOW!   The draft list will undergo a year of public comment and review.....and changes are still possible.  The Priority List will not be adopted until next Summer (2011).    Let's continue to voice our concerns for what is right for our area and state.  ALL of Our Voices need to be heard NOW!

SOMETHING'S GOT TO GIVE

In today's Journal Editorial-Article ROAD RAGE, concerning the road projects in Winston-Salem/Triad being delayed.....Both are much needed for the city, the county and the state. 
The writer says "Our leaders must insist to the DOT and to Gov. Bev Perdue that the Business-40 project and the Beltway proceed".  As the writer says, our economy will eventually suffer if the state doesn't get moving on our road improvements.
As mentioned, the beltway is NOW even further off than we thought.  Do all of you feel safe travelling Hwy. 52 and Bus. 40?
Also stated in the article "SOMETHING'S GOT TO GIVE".  With this statement, all the property owners would certainly agree.  Not only is the economy suffering, but all of these property owners that have had to hear ...ANOTHER TEN YEARS!  Question to NCDOT & Gov. Perdue:  If you are asking us to wait another 10 years, what other excuse will you come up with when 2020 comes around?  Oh well, you won't be around to have to answer to that.

Trogdon Comments to Journal's Article

Jim Trogdon, Chief Operation Officer at North Carolina Department of Transportation has responded to the recent Journal's Article  "Beltway betrayal" with a comment on the Opinion Page....Opinion-Journal 8-5-10 / Jim Trogdon

Mr. Trogdon tries to clarify and explain the ranking of the urban loops - announced last week.  It seems to us that when the 1989 Highway Trust Fund Prioritized system was established by legislation (which Gov Perdue was a part of and voted on this when she served), why is the state NOW establishing their own priority formula for loop projects?  Due to the cost of the I74/Eastern, it was pulled down on the list to last.  Additional delays, Mr. Trogdon, will only increase the cost factor and will continually delay this project.  Just another slap in the face to all the property owners, that thought after a two year wait and told that acquisitions would start back after the lawsuit.  We need a committment from the State that they will not continue to ignore it's citizens and their hardship -- all due to a priority list?  Why are they NOT A PRIORITY in all of this?  Mr. Trogdon we need answers to our questions too and SOON.

Mr. Trogdon at Meeting of Property Owners/Northern Beltway NOW

NCTA drastically changes the Garden Parkway

Sure, Why Not?: NCTA drastically changes the Garden Parkway

Good information concerning Gastonia's Garden Parkway posted on the "Sure, Why Not?" blog.
The Record of Decision has not been made yet and they plan to begin construction, according to this, in March, 2011 (to be opened in 2014). Even though this is a toll road and part of the NC Transit Authority, it is being questioned if this road is really needed.

We know a road that is needed! It is the I-74/Eastern and was planned to relieve the traffic off of Hwy 52. The early part of this century, I-74 in Mt. Airy was completed. When it was opened at I-77, the I-74/Eastern was to be completed also. This corridor for some reason has become a less a reality as we see other highways (ie-Garden Parkway) become a higher priority and a reality.

MEETING OF THE NORTHERN BELTWAY NOW GROUP

Jim Trogdon - NCDOT - Chief Operation Officer

Speaks to the Property Owners & Answers Questions

All the property owners are frustrated by the never ending delays of this project and by the State ranking it last on list of urban loops planned across the State.  To say they have been abandoned by the State, is an understatement....because many have abandoned them!

YES! WE HAVE BEEN BETRAYED!

BELTWAY BETRAYAL
(click on above to see article)
Article in the Winston-Salem Journal shows the frustration from everyone in our area and the disbelief that the State is not recognizing the Northern Beltway as vital to North Carolina and even went so far as to ranked it last of all the urban loops.  Governor Perdue is upset with Dell's decision to close.  Could it be that she didn't produce the construction of the I-74/Eastern Loop for their transportation needs--as promised?   "CAT" MUST HAVE THIS CONNECTOR due to the weight, length, width of the product they are transporting.  FedEx Hub MUST HAVE THIS CONNECTOR.  Honda Jet MUST HAVE THIS CONNECTOR.  Governor Perdue, are you going to continue to empress us, as our local officials work so hard for our property owners stuck in limbo and abandoned.  Our citizens with job loss and not able to find employment or see a hope in this area for employment opportunities....You, Gov. Perdue stood at a press conference with CAT officials to bost about jobs they will bring....but you are not concreting their path to stay here.

Remember, Governor Perdue--------"I-74 WILL BRING MORE"

I-74 / Eastern Section "NOT A LOOP"

IT IS TIME TO "BEGIN" BUILDING I-74---THAT WAS PLANNED MANY YEARS AGO. 

RIGHT NOW THE STATE IS LOOKING AT THIS PROJECT, ALONG WITH 24 OTHER PROJECTS (Urban Loop Prioritization Process "ULPP").  IN AUGUST THEY WILL ANNOUNCE HOW THIS PROJECT WILL BE RANKED, ALONG WITH LOCAL URBAN LOOPS AROUND THE STATE.  THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT THIS HIGHWAY IS NOT A "LOCAL URBAN LOOP".

This highway is a major interstate that was planned long ago so that the traffic, travelling from the I-77 taking the I-74 in Mt. Airy, could be diverted away from Highway 52 coming into downtown Winston-Salem.  This traffic includes large 18-wheelers, travelling from the north.  Last year (per WSPD records), there were 584 wrecks reported with several injuries and 2 fatalities.  How many could have been avoided if all this traffic was not using Hwy 52, but instead the proposed I-74/Eastern leg?  Currently, Hwy 52 has approximately 85,000 vehicles per day (it was designed to carry 60,000 per day).

I-74 is needed NOW for this area and for the State.   For all that live in this area and want to see Economic Growth, New Jobs, New Industry and a Safer Highway 52, please support this needed highway project.

HOMEOWNERS HAVE TO HEAR ABOUT ANOTHER "DELAY"????

Just when ALL of the property owners could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, they are NOW faced with another hurdle, ANOTHER DELAY, more excuses and so sorry...YOU ARE NOT A PRIORITY!  All of us are asking -- When are we going to become a priority??...if not NOW!

First, the lawsuit in 1999...

Then waiting on the Record of Decision

Then another lawsuit in 2008

NOW, this highway project is not a priority!

TO OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS:
NOW is the time for this project!  NO MORE DELAYS!  We say to ALL of you in Raleigh, that have taken this beltway money for other projects in "your areas":
Make this project happen NOW....without hesitation...without more delays....without more excuses...WE HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED TOO LONG!  Our lives have been put on hold long enough and shame on you and all the others that do not see all of those suffering.  Look at the many years that, as homeowners, we have stood by and let other areas get their highways (because of political clout). 

WE ARE NOT STANDING BY ANY LONGER!

Sincerely,
Northern Beltway NOW

BELTWAY IS A KEY PIECE

Editorial in Winston-Salem Journal emphasizes the importance of the beltway to Forsyth County.  It will bring business - new companies which equals to new jobs.  Right now with our area losing jobs and businesses and with the decline in the economy, that should be important to all residents.  There are many that have lost their jobs and looking to start a new business.  They are asking, should I stay in Forsyth County or go to another area where there is more growth?  Of course, we know many businesses are attracted to certain areas because of the transportation system.   Is Winston-Salem/Forsyth County going to be that area or let it all go down the road (I-40) to Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham?  Our local leaders and State Rep's and Senators need to take note right now, that we are looking to them for a stronger economy for our city/county.  Are you going to help the citizens of Forsyth?  WE NEEDED THIS BELTWAY TEN YEARS AGO!  LET'S NOT LET ANOTHER YEAR GO BY THAT THIS ISN'T A PRIORITY FOR ALL OF US.

http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2010/may/22/the-northern-beltway/

JUDGE DISMISSES SUIT!

We can finally see the "Light at the end of the Tunnel". 

"Federal District Court Judge Thomas Schroeder has given the green light to the state's Northern Beltway project around Winston-Salem, dismissing two court cases in which opponents of building the road had sought to block the project."

Click on link to read the complete article:
http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2010/may/20/judge-northern-beltway-can-be-built-around-winston/news/

UPDATE IN MAY

The article (DOT Work in Triad) in last week's Winston-Salem Journal has sparked a lot of people's attention because of the Northern Beltway.  Some of you thought this included the Northern Beltway.  The article says,

"The rankings do not include urban-loop projects, such as the long-proposed Northern Beltway for Forsyth County.  The department expects to provide an update on those plans by May". 

We should all know something by May, if the State plans to move on this project or NOT.  We have an opportunity at the upcoming March 11 meeting to show everyone --- ALL the people that have waited too long for the "long-proposed" Northern Beltway.

Recently, we have gone to some of the neighborhoods in the corridor of the beltway, where houses have been torn down and there are people still living there and waiting for the State to buy their property.  It was very disturbing and sad to see.  Many of these people are older and really need to move on with their lives.

Our elected officials should take this tour and meet some of these people, like we did.  Maybe after this tour, they would realize the "priority" of this urban-loop.  In fact, it should be ranked NO. 1 on the list of the "Urban-Loop Prioritization" and just make it happen in 2010 -- without hesitation.

NOW Is the Time for Everyone to Show their Support for the beltway and attend the meeting on March 11th.   ---- Northern Beltway NOW!

CRITICAL ISSUE

WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL ARTICLE SUPPORTS NORTHERN BELTWAY
http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2010/jan/31/view-30000-feet/

SELLING THE REGION IS CRUCIAL:
"Work must finally begin on the Northern Beltway"
The writer, John Railey, points out that Winston-Salem needs to appeal to current and future businesses that need an efficient way to move their products. Selling the region depends upon....developing a Stronger Transportation System.
As he points out, all of these critical issues are tied to Improving the Economy, Bringing in Business and Creating Jobs.

At the end of this article "Working Together" ...if we don't correct these problems:
Our region will have a hard time keeping pace with other regions in the state and the nation....AND....Could be a better place to work and live...if we work together.

NORTHERN BELTWAY NOW!!

STUCK IN LIMBO

Two articles in the Winston-Salem Journal that show how property owners in the Northern Beltway corridor have been affected and are "stuck in limbo".  In 2008, planning and acquisitions were on go after the Record of Decision (ROD).  Property owners were finally being told that their property would be bought and some were in the process of acquisition.  That all stopped in the Fall of 2008, due to the lawsuit and lack of money.

Retiree in a Pickle

Stuck in Limbo