Riley and wife face permit delays for Katyesville property due to access issues

During the recent Board of County Commissioners meeting in Washington County, Maryland, significant concerns were raised regarding property access issues that could impact local development. A resident, speaking on behalf of his son and daughter-in-law, detailed their frustrating experience in securing a building permit for their newly acquired property on Mount Hebron Road in Katyesville. Despite having met all necessary requirements and receiving approval from the county permit office, their permit remains pending due to a claim of inadequate public access to the property.

The resident highlighted that Mount Hebron Road is a public road with 300 feet of road frontage, yet the county has indicated that the property is deemed inaccessible. This situation arose after the road became partially impassable, leading to several properties being landlocked. The resident formally requested a survey of Mount Hebron Road and urged the county to restore the original road along the deeded easement, which is recorded in the county's land records. This restoration could potentially resolve access issues for multiple affected property owners.

In addition to this pressing issue, Stephanie Phillips from the City of Hagerstown addressed the commissioners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between Washington County and neighboring Berkeley County for national security purposes. She proposed the idea of establishing a bus service that would facilitate transportation between the two areas, enhancing community connectivity.

The discussions at the meeting underscore the ongoing challenges faced by residents in navigating property development regulations and the need for improved infrastructure and inter-county cooperation. As the county moves forward, the resolution of the access issue on Mount Hebron Road will be crucial for the affected families and could set a precedent for future development in the area. The commissioners are expected to review the requests and concerns raised during the meeting in their upcoming sessions.