School traffic adjusting to new one-way plan: Village officially closes on property adjacent to greenway

CLEMMONS — School’s back, and the traffic is … well, different. At least that’s the case at Clemmons Elementary School.

The village, with guidance from engineering firm Kimley-Horn, implemented a new plan this July in an attempt to improve traffic flow and safety with a new one-way movement along James Street from Cook Avenue to Stoney Drive and Bingham Avenue being one way from James Street to Stadium Drive — along with additional signage.

The council ultimately decided by consensus to proceed in its July 8 meeting with Village Manager Mike Gunnell to talk with Principal Wendy Brewington to complete any other details.

“I met with Dr. Brewington, and we worked together to get where we are now,” Gunnell said.

“Hopefully, it’s going to get better out there.”

As for the first day of school on Monday, Gunnell said, “The morning worked great. This afternoon there was a communication problem about how thing were stacked. It can be fixed.”

Jonathan Guy, an engineer with Kimley-Horn, went through lots of details in last month’s meeting, including the importance of reducing stacking, and said that the singular one-way option was probably the best choice.

“That option gives you more longevity,” said Guy, adding this would have a lower price tag, less physical disruption and a shorter time frame to implement. “It’s more adaptable for future changes and more resilient in how you can handle things without having investment.”

Meanwhile, after taking action in the spring to help traffic flow at West Forsyth High School with a plan involving no parking or stopping during pick-up/drop-off at the school, Gunnell said he heard the first day of school was “terrible. I heard it was really backed up,” adding he hoped a lot of that was just being the first day.

The village implemented a new plan when students returned to school from Spring Break in April with an announcement stating: “Those who don’t heed the ‘NO PARKING OR STOPPING ANY TIME’ signs along Lewisville-Clemmons Road during school dismissal time could face hefty fines — $25 for parking a vehicle on a roadway in violation of NC GS 20-161(a) along with the current court fee of $191.”

Gunnell said that deputies would continue to be out there on Lewisville-Clemmons Road until Sept. 9 issuing citations in an effort to help traffic flow.

In other news, the village officially announced last Thursday the acquisition of 12.42 acres of land from Novant Health, situated adjacent to the Village Point Greenway and Fishing Pier. The final purchase price for the property was $1,935,600.

Village officials said that this acquisition marks a significant milestone in a commitment to preserving open space and enhancing community recreational opportunities while providing room for additional amenities.

Immediate plans include improving safety, installing permanent restrooms and expanding parking facilities to better serve existing amenities.

On the closing of the property, Gunnell said, “This is an exciting step for our community that has been discussed for many years. We are elated to have the opportunity to enhance our recreational offerings and provide even more value to our residents.”

To ensure that the development of the new area meets the community’s needs, the village will undertake a comprehensive planning process. Details regarding upcoming planning sessions will be released as they are scheduled, and residents will be invited to provide their input on the future of the Village Point Greenway. Potential new features include an event structure, picnic shelters and spaces for passive recreation.

“There’s some initial steps that we’re looking at, but with the overall plan, we’re going to have public meetings and other opportunities for public input,” Gunnell said.

In a business action item in Monday night’s meeting, the council approved a contract for $229,225 with Clarion Associates LLC for a rewrite of the United Development Ordinance.

In addition, the council approved a Safe Streets for All Action plan service agreement for $159,969 with Kittelson and Associates Inc. and approved accepting a Village of Clemmons Accessibility and Transition Plan in Support of Safe Streets for All Action Plan grant for $160,000 with the village share being $40,000.

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