Putnham County rejects request to vacate Chimera (Chamira) Way after residents and fire officials urge preservation of lake access

Putnham County commissioners on March 10 unanimously voted to deny an application to vacate a portion of Chimera (sometimes spelled Chamira/Chimira in the record) Way in Interlock and Lake Estates Unit 26, preserving public access to George’s Lake.

The decision ended a long public hearing that drew residents, a private attorney and the applicant. Commissioner Harvey opened the discussion by saying he had “come to believe… it’s time to put this situation to bed” and urged denial and that the county accept the right‑of‑way into its maintenance system as a Class 2 road so the public — including fire and rescue — would retain access.

Why it mattered: County staff and the fire rescue department also recommended denial, citing the Putnham County comprehensive plan and the county’s need to preserve drainage and emergency access. Dozens of residents described decades of use of the right‑of‑way as a lake access point; several said the road had been dedicated on the recorded 1970 plat and that losing it would “landlock” those who do not own lakefront property.

Residents’ testimony: Mary Lynn Pantene, who said she lives one block from Chimera Way, told the board the right‑of‑way was deeded to the county and that neighbors have maintained the road for years. “The thought of losing this access would be devastating to our community,” she said. Attorney Joe Saviaak, representing neighborhood residents, argued the road is the sole south‑end access to George’s Lake, that vacation would undercut firefighting access and that state law and the county’s comprehensive plan favor retaining public access to bodies of water.

Applicant’s response: Kevin Nelson, the applicant, said he purchased his lot after reviewing plats and title and reiterated that his goal was to reconfigure his backyard by vacating a portion of the right‑of‑way; he denied any present intention to rezone or develop a commercial use and said any commercial plan would require rezoning. Nelson asked for clarity about how any replacement easement or boat ramp would be documented.

Board discussion and vote: Commissioners asked staff to clarify the difference between a Class 2 county road (maintenance if not passable) and a Class 3 private road (no county maintenance). Several commissioners said they had visited the lake, heard from neighbors and were persuaded that preserving access was the right course. A motion to deny the vacation of the portion of Chimera Way carried unanimously.

What happens next: Commissioners discussed placing the road on a future agenda to consider formally accepting it into the county road maintenance system as Class 2. The board also directed staff to place public comments and documents in the record for the file.

Quoted: Commissioner Harvey said, “I would like us to deny any vacation of this. I would like for us to take this into the county maintenance system as a class two road… and put this thing to bed once and for all.” Attorney Joe Saviaak said the road “provides lake access for residents who do not own lakefront property, ensuring that the lake remains a resource for all citizens, not just a privileged few.”

The meeting record shows the vote was taken by voice and recorded as unanimous in favor of denying the vacation request. The board also agreed to place consideration of formal classification (Class 2) on a future agenda so the public can comment further.