The Badin Town Council voted on a proposed change to the Pee Dee Scenic Byway during its regular meeting on Sept. 11.

Connie Morgan, scenic byway coordinator for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, spoke to the council in August about possibly changing the route.

Morgan’s suggestion had been to begin the byway on Maple Street rather than on Henderson, and running down Kirk Place before joining Valley Drive. Her changes left the rest of the route untouched.

The current route starts on Henderson Street close to Badin Elementary School. Henderson becomes Valley Drive and is followed for 5.5 miles to the intersection of North Carolina Highway 24/27/73, according to North Carolina Scenic Byways, a guidebook published by the DOT.

Those who use the current route can begin it by going on Nantahala Street and picking up Henderson, while Morgan’s proposed new start to the route would direct guests to go by Badin Museum on Falls Road on their way to Maple.

During its meeting, the council unanimously voted instead to change the route to Falls Road to Maple Street, then to Nantahala before joining the original path. Council members said they believe this route will showcase more of the interesting architecture in Badin.

The proposed change will be sent to the DOT.

In other business:

• Mike Lambert approached the council to advise the members of his campaign for a seat on the Stanly County Board of Commissioners.

• Peter Asciutto, a former county commissioner, told the council about his concerns regarding the future of school enrollment, noting he believes numbers across the county will decline as the population ages and declines.

• The council also unanimously passed a proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23 to be Constitution Week in Badin following a request from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

• Mayor pro tem Deloris Chambers requested a handful of streets be temporarily closed at 11 a.m. on Sept. 29 for a parade honoring veterans.

Chambers’ organization, Teens Making a Difference, will hold a small parade and a short celebration afterward where refreshments will be served.

According to Chambers, the parade will begin on Roosevelt Street, Grant Street, Sherman Street and loop back to Roosevelt Street.

The council held a closed session at the end of the meeting. It held no discussion and took no action upon resuming open session.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 9 in Town Hall.

Imari Scarbrough is a freelance contributor for The Stanly News and Press.