CORRECTION: The original version of this article stated that construction on East Haggard Avenue started on Sept. 9. Construction on East Haggard will start on Sept. 11 . Elon News Network regrets this error.

During their meeting on Sept. 9, Elon Town Council discussed an annexation petition to expand the town’s corporate limits, a resolution to sell two police vehicles and updates on town projects such as the construction on East Haggard Avenue – which will be closed during the day for nine days.

Annexation petition:

The council held a public hearing on an annexation petition by the private investment firm GreenHawk that would enlarge the town’s corporate limit. The parcel, or piece of land, is owned by GreenHawk. The parcel is about 50 acres, and is located behind Elon University’s Schar Center and right next to the edge of the town’s corporate limit. The council unanimously approved the petition. 

No members of the public commented on the hearing. 

Police Department sale of vehicles: 

Town of Elon Police Chief Kelly Blackwelder brought a resolution to the council to sell two vehicles to Alamance Community College and the Alamance Narcotics Enforcement Team — a drug investigative task force made up of officers from agencies across Alamance County. Blackwelder said the police department has been asked if they would sell a 2014 Ford Charger to the Alamance Community College and a 2014 Chevy Tahoe to ANET. 

Blackwelder said that ANET needs a concealed, undercover vehicle to make traffic stops. The Chevy Tahoe, which has mechanical issues, would sell for about $5,000-10,000, according to Blackwelder. 

The Ford Charger would aid the college with basic law enforcement training and has exceeded its ability to be used by Elon’s police department because it has a blown engine.

Markings and certain equipment would be removed by Elon before giving them over to be repaired by the college and ANET. Blackwelder said donating these would benefit the county as a whole.

The resolution was adopted by the council.

Project updates:

The council gave updates on various projects across the town. The repaving of East Haggard Avenue is finished except for a stamped imprint on the crosswalks that Elon University will complete. Originally, this was scheduled to be completed during Fall Break, but the university was notified by their contractor that construction will begin on Sept. 11 and end on Sept. 23. A portion of the road will be closed each day, but it will be open during evenings and weekends. Both lanes of traffic will be closed. 

Additionally, Gerringer Road between Walker Road and Meadowbrook Drive is currently closed due to a damaged pipe after Tropical Storm Chantal. The replacement of that pipe will be completed by early November 

The first two permits for the PARC Northwest developmental project have been issued. The project is one of three projects being completed by GreenHawk that will build around 1,000 housing units in the town over the next 10 years.

Other items: 

Members of the town council, including Michael Woods, praised the town’s block party on Sept. 5 and commended Downtown Developmental Director Jill Weston. 

“That was the most amazing block,” Woods said. “Everybody brought it together. Jill did a great job, the police department, fire department; I really enjoyed it.”

Elon Fire Department Chief Landon Massey also gave a recap of the tree removal crane process on West Lebanon Avenue on Sept. 4. The road was blocked for seven hours and left over 100 customers without power. Massey called it a “really unstable situation.” The council thanked the Fire Department, Public Works and the Police Department for their efforts. 

Town Council member Quinn Ray, who oversees the skatepark committee, gave an update on the failed grant for the park. Ray said the committee will likely ask the council to begin the project with the town’s allotted amount for the skatepark — which is about $350,000. However, if they go this route, it won’t begin until November 2026, so the committee is still aiming to get the project done through a grant. 

He said the committee could adjust the grant to increase their chances of a successful grant application by adjusting the site plan or by putting the skatepark in the town’s Recreation and Parks Master Plan. 

Next Town Council meeting

The next town council meeting will be held Sept. 29.