Commission approves three access approaches for proposed Maitland Road subdivision with county protections

The Lawrence County commission voted to approve three new vehicle approaches for an approximately 75-acre development proposed on the west side of Maitland Road after hearing from developer Brad Limbo and county planning staff.

Limbo said the plan includes three new approaches and the retention of an existing driveway to allow construction access; he told commissioners the existing crossing over False Bottom Creek has been subject to flooding and that one entrance sits under a high-voltage transmission line. Commissioners expressed concern about long-term county maintenance obligations for asphalt aprons and additional right-of-way that the city might require, citing the possibility that the city could be asked to accept responsibility for sections within city limits.

The board's approval included explicit conditions: final permit applications must be substantially consistent with the exhibit reviewed today; any additional right-of-way beyond the county's 33-foot ownership line on Maitland Road is not the county's responsibility; and when the middle main approach is built the existing house approach must be removed/obliterated. The county's highway superintendent will approve and sign final approach permits consistent with the motion. Commissioners also discussed state statute 31-17-17 concerning borderline roads, which a staff member said is under state-level review for interpretation.

The motion passed by voice vote with commissioners authorizing the highway superintendent to sign applications that match the approved exhibit.