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County commissioners voted unanimously 4-0 on Dec. 7 in favor of approving the latest iteration of a plan for more construction for pedestrians and bikes in Wilson.
Agreeing somewhat with concerns of losing Wilson’s rural feel, commissioners ultimately approved a plan that preserves the bulk of the changes but shortens retaining walls and changes the color of asphalt.
Natalia Macker was absent for the vote.
With the highway to the east expanding, the construction will create a three-lane cross-section, pathways on both sides of Highway 22 and light-up street crossings. A pathway will be added to the recently finished pathway from Wilson to Stilson along the highway.
While many Wilsonites are on board with more infrastructure of some sort, the specifics of the plan became the subject of spirited debate over the last six months.
Critics claim Wilson’s rural character will be damaged by urban features on spruced-up walkways.
Longtime Wilson resident Keith Benefiel attended the vote. He believes his walk around town will be safer with the changes, a sentiment shared by other residents in public comment.
“This is the first real change that has benefited the people that actually live in Wilson,” he said. “I am tired of taking my life in my hands every time I go to Hungry Jacks or the Post Office or have to cross the road.”
Overall, the project is necessary as the highway continues to expand, according to the county’s Pathways Coordinator Brian Schilling.
“We’re trying to make that scenario as palatable as possible and to maintain the character of downtown Wilson to the greatest degree possible while also providing safe facilities and safe ways for people to get around no matter what transportation mode they might choose,” Schilling said.
He added that the county is on track to break ground this year.
