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Residents press Havre de Grace officials for action at Greenway Farms intersection; city attorney says options limited
Summary
Multiple residents urged the city to address a dangerous intersection at Greenway Farms and to enforce infrastructure commitments tied to development; the city attorney said legal constraints and prior approvals limit immediate measures and that staff continue talks with the State Highway Administration and the developer.
Havre de Grace94Residents of the Greenway Farms neighborhood pressed the mayor and city council on June 16 to fix a reportedly hazardous intersection at Martha Lewis Boulevard and to enforce developer obligations for emergency access and other infrastructure.
Courtney Bridges, a resident who submitted a form to speak, cited the city charter and a signed public works agreement and told the council, "no use and occupancy permits shall be issued for any dwelling unit until the final location of the roadway has been determined and the construction of the roadway in that location has been constructed." Bridges said the documented emergency access road is "not fully constructed" and repeated prior reports that the Fire Chief found the current lane inadequate for fire and ambulance apparatus.
Other residents echoed safety concerns. Michael Hatem described a near-collision at the intersection. Dr. Faith Williams referenced a traffic study recommending signalization if the Greenway Farms development proceeds as planned and said the development is already more than halfway built at 296 homes in the study, asking, "Where are we with securing funding?"
City Attorney Ishek told the audience the city is communicating with the State Highway Administration (SHA) and the developer and is "looking at all possible options," but said legal constraints and attorney-client privilege prevent the city from releasing certain details. Ishek warned that attempting to stop work outright could prompt immediate litigation and noted the neighborhood was approved under prior county and city rules "when that community was built." She said the city had met with SHA but that meeting produced no resolution.
Council members and staff said they continue to press the issue. Councilmember Jones and other councilmembers said they ask questions regularly and are engaged on the matter. Councilmember Boyer asked the police chief about stepped-up enforcement; the chief said officers already patrol the area and would be made aware of additional concerns.
Why it matters: Residents say the intersection presents a public-safety risk as new homes are completed and traffic volumes rise. The council and city attorney described a constrained range of legal remedies and ongoing coordination with SHA and the developer.
What happens next: The city attorney said staff will continue options analysis and communications with SHA and the developer. Councilmembers said they will keep raising the issue with staff. Residents asked for a public update or hearing when the city can disclose what it legally may.
Ending: City staff and council indicated continued action behind the scenes while urging residents to report safety incidents to public safety staff so enforcement and traffic mitigation measures can be targeted.
