The proposed connection between Indian Hills subdivision in Auburn and a new development being built in Opelika by Scott Land Company were discussed at the Auburn City Council meeting Feb. 5.
Residents attended the meeting to oppose the connection between Indian Hills Road and Interstate Drive, which would direct commercial traffic through the subdivision, located near the new Sam’s Club.
“It was a major part of the business,” said Councilman Tom Worden. “The discussion took a long time.”
Councilwoman Sheila Eckman said the situation is an unusual one because Indian Hills Road ends at the Auburn-Opelika city limit.
The City of Opelika’s planning committee approved the development’s preliminary plans.
Residents of the Indian Hills subdivision have asked the city of Auburn to barricade the end of the road to prevent the connection, yet the council elected to conduct a traffic study which would evaluate the compatibility of connecting the two roads.
“One of the theories that was promoted by Councilman Dulaney was that we should make every effort to first negotiate, to leave all the doors open to talk with this developer, to talk with the city of Opelika before we do something as concrete as just blocking the street off,” Eckman said.
She said many residents are worried that if a decision is not made soon, the developer will continue with the intentions of connecting the two roads; stopping the connection will then become difficult.
“It is going to take quite a bit of time because they can’t do a traffic study until (the developer) details what the development is going to be. It could be that it’s going to take a long time for the neighbors to get a resolution one way or another,” Ekman said. “I think we’ve (done) them a disservice on the front end by not telling them that earlier.”
If the decision to block the right of way at the end of Indian Hills Road is made, the process will take four weeks.
“My desire is to have that road cut off,” said Councilman Robin Kelly, whose district, Ward 5, includes the Indian Hills subdivision.
“I am not really interested in a master plan or a road study or any of these other things and taking time to negotiate them. To me, it’s right or wrong, yes or no and then you move on,” Kelley said. “I feel like we need to act sooner than later to help those people out.”
Kelley has been working with residents since October to find a solution. However, citizens from Indian Hills are still waiting for a decision.
“I think the city has let us down,” said Wildon Hardin, a resident of Indian Hills. “This neighborhood is sort of being neglected on that point.”
Accidents are also a big concern for residents.
Michael Campbell, who lives on Indian Hills Road, said with the influx of traffic, backing out of driveways and trying to access Glenn Avenue will become major concerns. In addition to traffic accidents, residents worry about the safety of children playing in yards.
“It’s very clear that the residents are opposed to this road connecting and bringing more traffic into their neighborhood,” said Mayor Bill Ham. “The bottom line is that the city is seeking an alternative route, and the city is definitely opposed to the connection that is currently proposed.”
