Tempers run sky high at first Skyway workshop

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Skyway, a potential toll road that would be another connection between Brunswick and New Hanover counties, was a cause for concern and frustration at the first informational workshop. The event was held at Belville Elementary School in Leland.

“We have packed these halls every time they have these meetings in opposition to this bridge,” says Mitchell Williams, who opposes the Skyway. “They still keep telling us the same crap.”

Mitchell Williams is just one of many at the workshop who say they are enraged about the proposed Skyway.

Many say they were told they would be given a formal presentation on the thirteen different proposed corridors for the Skyway, but that didn’t happen.

“It was very disorganized and very disappointing,” says Carolyn Miller, who lives in the Leland area. “I really think that this was a profession job from the DOT.”

Steve DeWitt, who works for the Department of Transportation, says the night was more about answering individual questions.

“Folks can look at maps,” says DeWitt. “They can see where their homes or businesses are and we can address specific questions that are very hard to do with a large audience.”

Several people who came to the workshop live in Snee Farm and Stoney Creek, areas that could be directly affected by the Skyway project. Many say they are worried about what will happen to their homes.

“They could actually purchase my back yard and put up an anti noise wall five feet from my home,” says Katrina Roman, who lives in Stoney Creek.

Those who were at the workshop were encouraged to fill out comment sheets with questions and concerns about the project.

There will be another workshop on Thursday in Wilmington. It is from 5 to 8 p.m. at Alderman Elementary School at 2025 Independence Boulevard. The workshop is open to the public.