Glynn County commissioners deny abandonment of unimproved alley at Saint Simons addresses

Glynn County commissioners voted on June 5 to deny AB25-4, a petition to abandon an unopened alley that runs between properties at 118 Circle Drive and 111 Saint Simons Avenue on Saint Simons Island.

The denial came after engineering staff outlined the application from property owners Rusty Johnson and Stephanie Richards (118 Circle Drive) and Susan Richards (111 Saint Simons Avenue), and after neighbors said the alley has provided access for decades. Commissioner Duncan moved to deny the abandonment; the motion was seconded and carried after an affirmative roll call of those present.

Engineering staff said the alley is an unused, unimproved easement shown on deed book 3U, page 147 and that abandonment would return the land to the tax digest. The staff presentation noted a proposed utility easement coordinated with the Joint Water and Sewer Commission (JWSC) along the portion adjacent to 111 Saint Simons Avenue and that county public works sought a drainage easement across the entire abandoned area to preserve future access for drainage maintenance. The presentation specified a 10-foot portion along the eastern side of 118 Circle Drive and a larger rectangle along the west side of 111 Saint Simons Avenue; JWSC identification of a 12-inch gravity sewer main in the vicinity was noted.

Neighbors who spoke at the public hearing opposed the abandonment. Grace Rags, who said her family has owned 122 Circle Drive since 1970, told commissioners she and vendors use the alley to access the rear of her property and asked to “reserve my right to be able to use that property as I always have.” Patricia Bonador said the alley is necessary for visitors and for larger vehicles to maneuver to visit neighbors.

Rusty Johnson, one of the applicants, told the board he maintains the open portion of the alley and said the other end of the alley is blocked and “not open at all” and therefore he did not view the alley as a primary access route. Johnson also said the property at 111 Saint Simons Avenue has road frontage and a driveway.

Commissioner Tosteson said the commission commonly approves alley abandonments when there is no controversy but that this case featured both supporters and opponents; he said denying the petition would avoid cutting off an access that residents currently use. Commissioner Duncan agreed and moved to deny the abandonment. The board then approved the motion to deny AB25-4.

The denial preserves the county’s ability to retain a drainage easement and the utility easement previously coordinated with JWSC. No additional action or transfer of title was recorded at the meeting; staff retained responsibility for next steps regarding recorded easements and any required plats or recordings.