LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Would Powhite extension be bad for business?

Dear Editor,

As one who has been stuck in the bumperto bumper traffic on Hull Street [Road] during peak commuting times, I can understand the county’s interest in making traffic flow more smoothly. But I’m also a business owner who relies on those potential customers driving by to purchase my merchandise.

And when - not if - the Powhite Parkway is extended [Dec. 6 issue] so those vehicles can bypass my store and hundreds of others, I’m predicting a lot of businesses will close. The county reaps a lot of sales taxes from the 4-5 million square feet of retail between Route 288 and Woodlake. I expect 30-50 percent of the traffic would jump over to the Powhite, avoiding Hull Street [Road], even if it means paying a modest toll. And when that happens, the impact will cause businesses to close or relocate.

Changing traffic patterns has unintended consequences.

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