KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — As construction begins on the new Etta Lea & Lawrence Pope Memorial Park and pool, some nearby residents say they're concerned about how increased traffic could affect their neighborhood once the facility opens.
Kate Gydus has lived on McConnell Drive, just off Lambeth Farm Lane, for 21 years. She says traffic is already a concern and worries it will only get worse once the park and pool open.
"My predominant worry is the traffic because the traffic is horrendous here now and it can only get worse," Gydus said. "It will get worse if this is the only road in and out. But I'm also very, very worried for the security and the noise level."
According to the Town of Kernersville, Lambeth Farm Lane will be the only entrance to the pool when they open.
For Gydus, that's one of her biggest concerns.
"One way in and out. One way in and out," she said.
ABC45 reached out to the Town of Kernersville to ask what traffic considerations went into planning the project, whether nearby residents had an opportunity to provide input during the planning process and whether any roadway improvements are planned.
Town officials said Lambeth Farm Lane was selected because it already connected to the park property. They said the road was originally built as a minor thoroughfare, meaning it was designed to carry more traffic than a typical neighborhood street. Officials said they expect the roadway can accommodate traffic generated by the new park and pool.
The town also said no roadway improvements are currently planned.
Officials said several measures have been incorporated into the project to help address neighbors' concerns, including landscaped buffers, on-site parking, security measures and a gate that will restrict access after hours.
Despite those assurances, Gydus believes another access point would better serve the neighborhood.
"Put the road in somewhere else," she said.
After ABC45 followed up about future access, town officials said Southern Street has been identified as a possible future access point. However, they said future development could change where any additional entrance is ultimately located. Officials also confirmed Southern Street will not be open by the time the pool opens.
That uncertainty leaves Gydus wondering how long the neighborhood could rely on a single entrance.
"Eventually could be 20 years from now... eventually could be three years from now," she said.
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