New Belgium grant aids study of busy Enka intersection as potential location for biking and walking lane

From Connect Enka

Press release

Candler, NC—Connect Enka in collaboration with Friends of Connect Buncombe are proud to announce that New Belgium Brewing Company has awarded a $3,000 dollar grant to fund a feasibility study at the intersection of Jacob Holm Way and Sand Hill Road that will identify opportunities to safely accommodate people walking, biking and driving in cars.

The study will focus on making sure users of all modes of transportation can safely cross the intersection to access the new baseball/softball park, Enka Intermediate School, and the businesses along the rapidly developing Enka Commerce Park. Connect Enka president, Garrett Artz, stated “this grant and the funded feasibility study are an important first step in making the Enka-Candler area safe for people to walk or bike to the places they want to go such as schools, businesses and parks.” He went on to praise New Belgium Brewing Company and collaborative partner Friends of Connect Buncombe. New Belgium recently completed their Distribution Center in Enka. “We are excited about the partnership with our new neighbor, New Belgium Brewing Company, and for the direct support of Friends of Connect Buncombe.”

Friends of Connect Buncombe applied for the grant with the assistance of Connect Enka. The mission of Friends of Connect Buncombe is support the implementation of the Buncombe County Greenways and Trails Master Plan, approved by the County Commissioners in September 2012. The plan includes 102 miles of Greenways and Trails and includes eight priority corridors. Connect Enka incorporated to support the implementation of the Hominy Creek Corridor that is expected to run from the Hominy Valley Park to Brevard Road (NC 191) near the intersection with Pond Road.

In August, Connect Enka and New Belgium Brewing hosted an event, Biking + Walking = Busine$$, that highlighted the importance of a walk and bike friendly Enka-Candler to the business community and ongoing development.

Follow Connect Enka on Facebook for further updates.

SHARE
About Kat McReynolds
Kat studied entrepreneurship and music business at the University of Miami and earned her MBA at Appalachian State University. Follow me @katmAVL

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.