Thank you all so much — over 300 of you have signed this petition in just a few days. Your voices have been heard, and we're making progress.

We need your stories.

If this trail has been part of your family’s life—bike rides, walks, or time in nature—please share what it means to you. These personal stories show the real impact and could be key to opening the door for respectful negotiation.

Post your story in the comments here on Change.org or email me at joshua.danford@gmail.com.

Let’s remind everyone what’s truly at stake—community, connection, and access to the outdoors.

First Contact

I had a call today with Paul Kallam, the Director of Transportation for the City of Raleigh. He has committed to investigating whether the rocks and fencing placed by Heidelberg Materials (Crabtree Quarry) are illegally obstructing the public right-of-way at the end of Poyner Road.

What we know:

• If it's confirmed that the rocks are in the public right-of-way, the City may require the quarry to move them back onto their property.
• However, Mr. Kallam believes the City may not be able to take further action beyond this, especially if there is no formal right-of-way or easement beyond the paved portion of the road.
• He has agreed to look into whether any easement or access rights exist and will be our main point of contact until more information is available.

What comes next:
If no legal access exists, we’ll need to pivot to a community-driven approach. That means:

• Working collaboratively and respectfully with Heidelberg Materials.
• Asking them to consider options that maintain public access while limiting their liability, such as formalized permissions, signage, or controlled entry.
• At this stage, sharing heartfelt stories about how these trails have brought joy, connection, and wellness to our families may be the most powerful way to inspire goodwill and encourage a positive resolution.

We're also waiting to hear from Council Member Christina Jones, who we hope will help us lead a respectful dialogue with the quarry and advocate for a win-win resolution.

 
🙏 A Very Important Ask

Please continue to show patience and integrity as this process unfolds. We urge everyone to refrain from damaging or removing the quarry’s fence or barriers. Any such actions could harm the cause and close the door on potential negotiations.

This is a pivotal moment. Our collective voice has already opened the door to serious conversations. Let’s stay united, civil, and solution-focused as we work to restore access the right way.

Thank you again for standing up for our community. More updates will come as soon as we hear back from the City.

With gratitude,
Joshua Danford
Organizer – Reopen Access to the Poyner Road Trail and Umstead Park in Raleigh, NC