Steele Creek residents invited to Feb. 25 meeting

Roads and representatives are the topics for Steele Creek’s largest annual civic gathering, which comes this year with a twist.

The Steele Creek Residents Association hosts its annual meeting Feb. 25 at Christ the King Church.

“This year we’re again having an update on Highway 160,” said Dave Wiggins, who runs steelecreekresidents.org. “The other big topic is elections.”

Roads are an annual concern for Steele Creek residents and a common topic at the annual meeting that typically draws hundreds of people. Elections are a little different.

“Our meeting has always been months before the filing period for the year’s elections, but since North Carolina moved its primary up to March, the candidates filed in December and we have invited them to participate in our meet and mingle,” Wiggins said.

A presentation from the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections will be part of the meeting, too. Experts will discuss primary and general election schedules, early voting, offices on the ballot, terms and what voting laws require on election day.

“Sort of a civics lesson,” Wiggins said.

Almost 30 candidates were invited for two U.S. House seats, two state House seats, two state Senate seats, three at-large and two district county Board of Commissioners seats. Residents can meet with candidates 30 minutes before the 7 p.m. meeting, and up to an hour after.

In January, the North Carolina Department of Transportation continued work on an environmental assessment for N.C. 160 widening from South Tryon Street to Shopton Road West. The four-lane project with a median divide could have bike lanes, sidewalks and landscaping improvements. Right-of-way acquisition on the 4.2-mile, $39 million project should begin in 2020 with construction starting in 2022.

Other plans include a $1.6 million intersection improvement at Steele Creek and Hamilton roads. Right-of-way there should begin in 2018, with construction in 2019.

Craig Bollinger, lead pastor at Christ the King, said hosting the association meeting the past few years has been an easy decision, as has working with the organization year-round.

“It has been something that’s grown a good bit over the years, and they’ve broadened out,” Bollinger said. “I’m excited for what that association is doing. It’s a dynamic, growing community, and there’s a need to bring together all the sectors.”

Bollinger sees a unique opportunity for people to meet their neighbors. Along with candidates and association leaders, dozens of civic groups will have displays and information available.

“It’s a privilege to partner,” Bollinger said. “We’re part of this community, and we have to care and should care about what’s going on in our area.”

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 10:14 PM with the headline "Steele Creek residents invited to Feb. 25 meeting."