County moves to deny Defuniak Springs easement after residents raise safety, notice and liability concerns

Walton County commissioners voted to deny a proposed easement that would have granted the City of Defuniak Springs access across county-owned land to build a road serving a planned airport terminal and three hangars.

The request, presented by City Manager Kobe Townsen, would have allowed construction of an access road on the east side of the airport to support terminal work and an anticipated job-creation commitment tied to state and regional grants. Townsen said multiple grants and a design schedule require the city to secure easements before design contracts can be awarded.

But neighbors who live along the proposed route urged the board to reject the easement, saying the alignment would run in front of homes, put children at risk and fundamentally change a quiet residential neighborhood. "There are 10 small children who live and play in this neighborhood every single day," said resident Paul Streaker, who asked the board to deny the easement to preserve neighborhood safety and character.

Other residents raised questions about notice and public outreach. "There’s been no transparency," said property owner Greg Major, who said he learned about the proposal only recently and noted the risk that FAA or grant-driven changes could later impose additional costs or restrictions. Alan Osborne, another longtime speaker on development issues, urged the board to obtain legal analysis on aviation-related liabilities before approving infrastructure that could create future claims.

Commissioner Glidewell, who moved to deny the easement, said county land should not be used in a way that routes heavy traffic through established neighborhoods and that the city appears to have alternative access constraints. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Curry.

The transcript records a roll-call and a subsequent statement that the motion passed with Commissioner Anderson recused. The board’s action denied the specific easement request while several commissioners and residents urged continued communication between the city and affected homeowners to identify alternative routes or mitigations.

The city’s representatives told the board the project is tied to multiple grants with milestones: a design completion deadline in December 2025 for one grant and construction timing associated with Triumph Gulf Coast for fall 2027 for another. City staff said the grants include job-creation requirements and that the city cannot begin contract design on the project without the easement for site access.

The board’s denial does not close the underlying issue: city officials indicated they may return with revised plans or further information. Several commissioners recommended additional community meetings so residents can review updated alignments and engineering details.

The meeting ended with commissioners and staff urging continued dialogue; county staff and the city will coordinate follow-up steps and community outreach.