In New Hanover County, Elizabeth O’Donnell is grappling with the looming possibility of losing her cherished historic home as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) deliberates on options for the New Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Alongside many neighbors on O’Donnell’s street, she faces the grim prospect of demolition.
Despite O’Donnell’s efforts to engage with officials and seek clarity about the fate of her home, she has been met with silence and generic responses. A recent meeting at Cape Fear Community College shed light on the DOT’s objective to minimize property relocations and prioritize a project that benefits the community.
DOT representative Trace Howell emphasized that the online renderings of the bridge are preliminary and subject to input from various stakeholders to finalize the design. The current options include a moveable bridge (Option A), a stationary bridge impacting O’Donnell’s home (Option B), and another stationary alternative with varying heights (Option C).
The impact extends beyond residential properties, with businesses like Cape Fear Solar Systems, where Robert Parker works, also facing uncertainty due to the bridge project. The need for a swift decision while ensuring all voices are heard underscores the complexity of the situation.
O’Donnell’s plea for a more personal and humane consideration in the decision-making process echoes the emotional toll faced by homeowners and businesses embroiled in the bridge expansion plans.
