Project Overview:
This multi-phase project included design, acquisition, and construction of approximately 6,000 linear feet of sidewalk along McCoy Road (SR 2138) and Hambright Road (SR 2117) in a historically low-income neighborhood located in the Town of Huntersville.

ORC’s GIS Department identified 59 parcels in the largely residential project corridor, with 10% owned by LLCs and businesses, some of which were rental properties with off-site owners. The homes were primarily manufactured and traditional single-family homes. 70% (42 parcels) of the project contained only Temporary Construction Easements (TCEs), considered simplistic acquisitions as the Town “rented” the property to allow the contractor space to build sidewalks and repair drive aprons. The firm emphasized that new sidewalks were within existing State-owned right of way.

Eight parcels contained Permanent Drainage Easements (PDEs) with minimal frontage impacts. Most drainage work occurred within existing right of way, with some extensions beyond. The firm explained that perpetual easements would allow the Town to maintain drainage structures. New Right of Way (R/W) and Sidewalk Easements were obtained on ten (10) parcels where the proposed sidewalks had to extend beyond the existing R/W.

No structural impacts or relocations occurred. The biggest challenge was trees, landscaping, and fencing impacted by TCEs on 50% of parcels. The Town paid for new fencing installed by owner’s post-project, as chain link fencing doesn’t hold up well when moved. The design team reviewed parcels to determine if trees or fences could be saved outside construction limits but within TCEs, reducing impact and cost.
Notably, the project team successfully settled all 59 parcels without the need for condemnations or appraisals, resulting in significant cost savings for the Town of Huntersville, exceeding $100,000 on the project.

Impact and Benefits:

• Improved pedestrian access
• Enhanced appeal of neighborhood