LETTER: Still time to reconsider Carrying Place vote

June 30, 2026

By Philip Roberts

To the editor:

The recent rejection by Surry voters of the Carrying Place project on Newbury Neck Road is a deeply disappointing and short-sighted decision that may have significant consequences for our community for years to come.

The proposal offered Surry a rare opportunity to address a known infrastructure and public safety concern while taking advantage of substantial federal funding that would have covered the majority of the project’s cost. By turning away this assistance, the town has not eliminated the problem—it has merely postponed it. Unfortunately, delaying action will likely result in higher future costs borne largely by local taxpayers.

More importantly, the risks associated with the existing conditions remain. The Carrying Place area is vulnerable to flooding, roadway damage, property loss, and potential threats to public safety. As weather events become increasingly severe and unpredictable, the consequences of inaction may become more costly and dangerous than the project itself.

However, this setback does not have to be the final chapter. There is still time for residents who recognize the importance of protecting public safety and preserving the town’s financial future to come together and seek a solution. A coalition of concerned citizens should be formed immediately to work with town officials, engineers, and property owners to develop a revised plan that addresses voter concerns while still meeting the project’s critical objectives.

If such a coalition acts quickly, it may be possible to petition the town and place a revised proposal before voters in a referendum prior to the November 2026 deadline. Doing so would allow Surry to reconsider this important investment before available funding opportunities disappear and before the costs and risks continue to grow.

Communities are often judged not by the challenges they face, but by their willingness to address them. I hope Surry will reconsider this decision, unite behind a practical and fiscally responsible solution, and seize the opportunity to protect our town, our taxpayers, and our future.

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