Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Road Closures topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves multiple county road closures, spares Sassy Lane after resident objections
Summary
After public hearings Feb. 24, the Covington County Commission voted to close several short, unused county-maintained road segments (including Lloyd Mill and Tobacco Road sections) while declining to vacate a portion of Sassy Lane because a resident demonstrated it is the only access to a home and easement issues remain.
The Covington County Commission on Feb. 24 voted to close several short, unused county-maintained road segments after public hearings and testimony from property owners and county staff, but spared a section of Sassy Lane after a resident warned it would leave his household without reliable access.
Commissioners heard requests and public comment for closures of Lloyd Mill Road (district 4), a portion of Tobacco Road, and two unnamed county roads near Boston Road and Rockhole Bridge/Andy Road. County staff said the county would retain responsibility up to certain bridge structures, that permanent barricades are already in place in some spots, and that utility easements (particularly for water lines) will need to be secured before ownership or maintenance changes take effect.
Property owner Susan Grimes Baker told the commission she wanted a portion of Tobacco Road vacated because it has not been maintained since 1995. "I just would like to have it vacated," she said during the hearing. County staff replied that easements for existing water infrastructure would be drawn so utility maintenance could continue.
After public comment and staff input, commissioners amended the agenda to take action on the road items during the meeting and voted to close the county-maintained sections as presented while directing staff to obtain or confirm easements to protect utilities.
Sassy Lane drew the strongest resistance. Resident Jeremy Norton, who said he has lived on Sassy Lane most of his life and is the only resident who would lose all access if the county relinquished the maintained portion, told the commission: "That road is my only access in and out of my property." Commissioners pressed staff on whether ingress and egress would be preserved and said a recorded easement from the highway would be required before any closure. County counsel and staff recommended against closing the county-maintained segment until a full legal review and confirmed easement documents are in hand; the commission voted not to close that portion of Sassy Lane at this time.
The commission's actions were procedural motions approved by voice vote; staff will follow up to secure or review easements, clarify responsibility for hydrants or other infrastructure, and record any formal vacation or change in maintenance status.
