Current Center Point vs. Fair Center Point of the Roundabout
The image highlights a significant discrepancy in the roundabout's center point. The current center is located at approximately 36.350227561110316, -86.59452510564383. However, a fair and balanced center would be at 36.35020703849304, -86.59458344368974.
Using the Haversine formula, which calculates the shortest distance over the Earth’s surface, the difference between these two points is approximately 18.73 feet (5.71 meters). This difference demonstrates the roundabout's misalignment, unfairly impacting specific county properties.
These are preliminary calculations based on available images, as the official center point of the proposed roundabout has not been disclosed. I invite clarification on the following:
What is the precise center point of this roundabout?
From the beginning of this journey, we have offered numerous recommendations to improve the plan. Our primary concern has always been the lack of necessity for a roundabout outside of the morning rush hour, which mostly involves getting kids to school. When we were children, we walked to school, but times have changed. Anderson Rd, however, is not wide enough to safely accommodate current traffic volumes, let alone add bike lanes or sidewalks to keep our kids safe.
Recently, we discovered that WFC Durham Holdings VII, G.P. had already included this roundabout in their development plans from the early stages. According to the July 2, 2019, Final Staff Report & Comments submitted by the City of Hendersonville Development Review Staff to the Hendersonville Regional Planning Commission:
“With this request from the applicant, staff has suggested major improvements to be incorporated as part of the development approval, which the Developer has agreed to. The first is a very large contribution to go toward a proposed large roundabout at each side of Drakes Creek Road, Anderson Lane, Countryside Drive, and Avant Road.”
Furthermore, the report states:
"With the May 2019 approved Preliminary Development Plan, the developer agreed to provide $677,650 toward the cost of this proposed intersection."
This language clearly shows that the roundabout was part of a negotiated agreement between the City and the developer—essentially, "you approve it, and we'll give you this money." This raises serious concerns about whether the project is genuinely in the public interest or merely serves to enhance the entrance to Durham Farms at the community’s expense.