Debate intensifies as Walker County board begins process to consider abandoning part of Concord Road

Walker County commissioners voted to begin the formal process to consider abandoning a dirt section of Concord Road after an extended public‑comment period in which neighbors and farmers presented sharply divided views.

The board’s action on resolution R‑029‑26 initiates abandonment consideration for the public right‑of‑way between Albert Thompson Drive and East Armuchee Road at the request of abutting property owners. Chairwoman Teams said the vote is step one and that the legally required public hearing will be held at the board’s May 7 meeting; abutting owners will receive direct notice ahead of that hearing.

The meeting’s public comments were lengthy and often emotional. Jim Pope, who identified himself as a long‑time resident, argued the road should remain open for local access and for emergency and farm equipment use, noting a petition with 111 local signatures asking the board to keep the road open. "If you want to keep safety down, you need to keep that road open because we need the road," Pope said.

By contrast, Juanita Mannum, Mary Wise and Michael Wise — all residents or property owners along the dirt section — urged closure. Mannum described the road as narrow, often one‑lane, with blind curves and banks and said county maintenance is minimal; she called safety her primary concern. "The county contributes very little in terms of maintenance of the road," Mannum said, adding that she and her neighbors have shouldered most upkeep costs for decades.

Mary Wise described non‑local traffic, dumping and what she called night hunting on adjacent properties, including photographs she said showed an armed person with night‑vision gear on private land. "Because of the ease of access and secluded nature of the area, dumping is in fact a problem," she said. Michael Wise said his 40‑day traffic counts averaged about three vehicles a day and argued that the route is not a necessary through‑route.

Other commenters emphasized history, tourism and continuity of rural access. John Longwith and Steven Grigsby argued Concord Road is a historic community route that could serve future tourists and provide alternate access if nearby bridges are unavailable. Jeremy Monnin, representing residents opposed to closure, said the proposal would mainly affect the dirt portion and that the paved portion serving a historic church would remain open. Several speakers asked the board to consider the burden of widening or re‑opening the road on private landowners if development later required it.

Commissioners heard repeated questions about emergency‑service access and whether closing the road would hinder response. County staff said existing emergency responders currently use adjacent paved routes to reach many homes in the affected area, but acknowledged access and addressing could require administrative updates if ownership or travel patterns change.

After public comment and legal counsel guidance, the board voted to begin the abandonment process; commissioners stressed this vote starts a multi‑step procedure that includes the public hearing and possible options — including retaining portions of right‑of‑way — before final action. Commissioner Hart recused himself from votes where his relationship to applicants required it; outside counsel will advise on statutory process and next steps.

The board’s action does not effect a final closure. It directs staff to notify abutting owners and schedule the public hearing on May 7 so the public can testify on the specific abandonment proposal before the board makes any final decision.