Exclusive details: Tensions rise ahead of NCDOT meeting tonight in Lake Lure
Chimney Rock Village Mayor O’Leary defends Southside Drive bridge 'temporary access' to Chimney Rock State Park
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The sound of rushing water from the Broad River has long been a hallmark of life in Chimney Rock, a picturesque village where nature and tourism coexist in a delicate balance. But in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, that balance has been disrupted—not just by damaged roads and bridges, but by a deepening divide between town officials and residents over the state’s plan to rebuild critical infrastructure.
Today a public meeting hosted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is scheduled from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Lake Lure Classical Academy, 1058 Island Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC.
“The information presented at this public meeting will allow for individual discussions with NCDOT representatives, but there will be no formal presentation. Project details and maps can be found at the NCDOT public input webpage, which will be updated as the project progresses,” the project website said.
At the center of the controversy is Southside Drive, a quiet street nestled along the river that many residents cherish as a peaceful retreat from the bustling traffic of U.S. 64 and U.S. 74A. Now, under the latest proposal from NCDOT, Southside Drive is set to become a key access route to Chimney Rock State Park, a plan that has drawn fierce opposition from residents like Kimberly Singer, who has been vocal at town council meetings about the potential impact on her neighborhood. (ICYMI: Learn more in my archives.)
“Southside Drive is a beautiful, quiet, picturesque neighborhood. We have been through complete devastation, and our town council is now turning their backs on us to get the park open at the expense of our residents,” Singer said on social media.
A Bridge to Controversy
NCDOT’s proposed reconstruction project includes replacing several bridges and realigning sections of U.S. 74A, as many roads and bridges were washed away in the hurricane. The project’s most contentious piece is the Southside Drive Bridge, which would serve as a temporary primary access point for the state park.
According to Chimney Rock Village Mayor Peter O’Leary, the decision to use Southside Drive was made after thorough evaluations by NCDOT and Chimney Rock State Park officials.
“Southside Drive is a public street maintained by NCDOT, and it is open to all the public, not just a few people,” O’Leary replied to Singer’s social media post defending the decision. “NCDOT and Chimney Rock State Park looked at all the options, and Southside Drive was the best option. They determined it was quicker, cheaper, and opened the park sooner. It is also reimbursable from FEMA. This is a state-maintained public road that is open to the public. Shouldn't we use public roads for the public good?”
That reasoning, however, has done little to ease concerns from Singer and other homeowners who argue that the project prioritizes tourism over residents’ quality of life.
“The council had an opportunity for input and persuasion, and they opted for Southside. This is directly from DOT,” Singer posted on social media, expressing frustration at what she views as a failure of local leadership.
Residents Push Back
For Singer and her neighbors, the main concern is not just the increase in traffic but the potential for permanent changes to their neighborhood. While Southside Drive is currently a one-lane road, the project proposes modifications that would expand access, raising fears of long-term consequences. Several properties were destroyed and have erosion following the storm.
“NOT if you turn a one-lane road into two to the detriment of the residents! Cheaper and easier is NOT always the BEST option, Mr. Mayor,” Lynn Duffy fired back in response to O’Leary’s social media post.
Many residents share Duffy’s concerns, arguing that the town should have pushed harder for alternative solutions that would protect their neighborhood’s character.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
With construction slated to begin in April 2025, the window for changing course is rapidly closing. NCDOT has already finalized much of the project’s design, and while public input is still being accepted until March 12, major alterations at this stage would likely require additional approvals and funding. There are several map options for permanent bridge repair and designs.
Project Timeline:
April 2025: Begin construction of temporary access to Chimney Rock State Park
Summer 2025: Begin construction of permanent bridges for Southside Drive and Chimney Rock Park Road
Summer 2025: Begin construction of new U.S. 64 bridge
Fall 2025: Begin construction of U.S. 74A realignment
As the project moves forward, both supporters and opponents of the Southside Drive plan will be watching closely. For Singer and her neighbors, the fight isn’t over yet.
“NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development. All comments will be taken into consideration, and carry equal weight, regardless of (the) submittal method,” the project website said.
The public is encouraged to leave comments using the webpage, email, or phone number:
Email: US74AChimneyRock@publicinput.com
Phone Number: 984-205-6615 and enter project code 11105 to leave a message.
Opinion & Analysis: Cops & Congress Commentary
Roads, Security, and the Five Things I’m Watching
Public infrastructure isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s about access, control, and safety. Whether it’s a bridge replacement in Chimney Rock or a federally funded highway expansion, decisions about our roads have real consequences for local communities and national security. As projects move forward, here are five key issues I’m watching.
1. Roads as Security Checkpoints
Major roads and highways often function as de facto security checkpoints, especially in times of emergency or heightened threats. There’s a contract for a security checkpoint in Chimney Rock Village through March 31. Whether it’s controlling access during natural disasters, managing evacuation routes, or ensuring that critical infrastructure remains operational, roads play a key role in public safety. The question is: How do we balance efficiency with security?
2. Who Controls Access?
In Chimney Rock, Mayor O’Leary and residents are at odds over the use of Southside Drive for access to Chimney Rock State Park. O’Leary argues that, as a state-maintained public road, it should be used for the public good. He has used the term “temporary access” at public meetings when discussing it but I have not seen it anywhere in writing. If it’s not in writing it doesn’t exist to me. It is unclear exactly how long that would be if NCDOT moves forward with the plan to use Southside Drive to access Chimney Rock State Park. This is a familiar debate: When does public access outweigh local concerns? And who gets the final say when state and federal agencies are involved?
3. Federal vs. Local Priorities
When federal funding is on the table, it often dictates what happens on the ground. FEMA reimbursement is a major factor in the Southside Drive decision, just as it is in road and bridge projects across the country. But what happens when federal priorities conflict with what local residents want?
This isn’t just a North Carolina issue—it’s playing out in communities nationwide. When disaster recovery funds or transportation grants come with strings attached, local governments may have little choice but to follow the money, even if it’s not what residents want.
4. Infrastructure as a Target
Roads and bridges aren’t just about transportation; they’re critical lifelines in times of crisis. Whether it’s ensuring first responders can reach disaster zones or maintaining supply chains during national emergencies, the resilience of our infrastructure matters. Recent hurricanes, wildfires, and floods have highlighted just how vulnerable these systems can be.
That’s why decisions like the ones being made in Chimney Rock aren’t just about convenience—they’re about long-term resilience. Will the new roads and bridges withstand future storms? Are they being built with emergency response in mind? These are the questions local and state leaders should be asking.
5. The Long-Term Impact of Roadway Decisions
Once a road or bridge is built, it shapes a community for generations. In Chimney Rock, residents worry that expanding Southside Drive’s role will permanently change the character of their neighborhood. Singer pointed out that the town council had the chance to push for another option but ultimately backed the DOT’s decision.
Infrastructure projects often come down to a simple trade-off: short-term costs versus long-term impact. Whether it’s a small-town bridge replacement or a multi-billion-dollar interstate project, the choices made today will determine how communities function for decades to come.
Final Thoughts
The roads we drive on every day are more than just pavement and bridges—they’re decisions about safety, access, and the future of our communities. As these projects move forward, I’ll be watching to see how local concerns, state priorities, and federal funding all collide.
What do you think? Should government agencies prioritize speed and efficiency, or should local voices have more say in infrastructure decisions? Let me know your thoughts.
I plan to be at today’s meeting depending on when today’s Alcohol Law Enforcement meeting ends, more to come. The live stream is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. It has been a packed day at the NCGA (NC General Assembly).
🏛️ All those mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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