Raleigh neighborhood expresses concerns over Fieldspring Lane construction project

The City of Raleigh has plans to turn Fieldspring Lane into a throughway to connect Buck Jones Road to Jones Franklin Road.

Some residents said doing so will not only add extra traffic but will also take away a good chunk of their front yards, making it unsafe for all.

Martha Lee lives on Fieldspring Lane, where she enjoys the company of her grandchildren.

“I have four grandkids, they come here often," said Lee. "They like to play in my front yard."

In October, Lee and many others in the area received a letter from the City of Raleigh.

The letter said Fieldsping Lane could potentially be turned into a throughway.

“They want to change it into a three-way to Jones Franklin. We’re already a block from Jones Franklin and to do that they want to widen the street in order to do that," said Lee. "They’re going to have to take a significant amount of our property.”

Lee said the proposal would widen the road and take approximately 12 feet from each home.

Some will lose the use of their driveway.

Lee said her grandchildren will have no room to play, nor will it be safe.

“This is my home. To the City of Raleigh it’s just a house and property, but it’s my home and I want my grandkids to be safe and I want my neighbors and their kids to be safe," said Lee. "I do not feel that’s going to happen if they widen this road.”

There is also a retirement home at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Lee said many senior citizens like to sit out in the front and chat. She fears the extra added traffic would make it dangerous for them as well.

Residents have been attending meetings to voice their concerns.

The last city council meeting was on Jan. 27, and the next meeting will be Feb. 8. Officials have not yet made a decision on what to do about the street.