Allegany County to hold public hearing on Brambleton alley opening; action deferred until utility easements are secured

Allegany County staff advised commissioners to hold a public hearing on a petition to open and close an alley on Brambleton but to defer any formal action pending resolution of multiple utility easements.

Staff said the petition was filed by attorney J.C. Duncan on behalf of clients seeking to open the alley. During staff’s due diligence, public works identified utilities running under the alley that require right-of-way and access easements, including Columbia Gas, First Energy, overhead communications identified as “Breeze Line,” and a sanitary line the county identified as LaVale sanitary.

“My recommendation to you tonight’s gonna be that we hear any public comments, but then at this point you hold your action on it until we can find out if there’s resolution of the utilities,” staff said. The county’s recommendation was to take no action following the hearing rather than tabling the item, which staff said would allow the county to accept public comment while staff continues to obtain easements.

Commissioners and staff discussed the physical condition of the alley and whether the requested action affected adjacent streets. No final action or vote on the opening was taken at the meeting; staff said they would return when the easements are secured or when the utilities provide required documentation.