Commissioners approve Everett Street easement for sidewalks and ADA access; project is grant-funded

The Swain County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution May 19 to convey temporary and permanent easements needed for a streetscape and sidewalk project on Everett Street in the courthouse square area.

Town representative Gina Bridal (S13) described the work as sidewalk widening, improved handicap access, additional parking spaces, conduit installation for electrical service and other beautification. She said the project was bid last week and is funded with grant money; a small portion of project funds would come from county-controlled sources where applicable. She also said the North Carolina Department of Transportation requires the sidewalk adjustments before DOT paving so the sidewalk work must be completed this year.

Commissioners discussed the location and the impact on a county-leased parking lot; Bridal said some property owners (Miss Calhoun and others) were contacted about easements and that the easement needed from the county covered the strip of sidewalk in front of the courthouse leading to Everett Street. A motion to approve the resolution was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The easement was described in the agenda materials as allowing ingress and egress for the Everett Street streetscape and for laying electrical conduit; the board noted that the grant funds must be spent before the end of the fiscal year for the project to proceed on schedule.