UPDATE: Residents of Greenway Farm in Havre de Grace are preparing for possible legal action against the city, citing a critical lack of a functioning emergency access road for over 20 years. The community’s safety is at risk with a single access road running under a CSX train line, which could lead to catastrophic consequences in an emergency.
Residents, led by Greenway Farm’s Robert Gibson, express urgent concerns about being trapped in their neighborhood. “If either of them has a mishap, we would be stranded in our neighborhood with no way to get out,” Gibson stated, highlighting the peril posed by the neighboring industrial propane supply company.
Since 2004, when the 150-acre site was annexed by Havre de Grace, city regulations mandated that no homes could be occupied without a full emergency exit roadway. Despite this, over 480 homes have been built, and the only current access route is an unpaved dirt path blocked by a padlocked fence.
Residents have voiced their frustrations to city officials, but many feel ignored. Courtney Bridges, a resident since 2016, expressed her exhaustion with the ongoing issues: “I am tired of the games being played in Havre de Grace. I just want to live in a safe neighborhood and we shouldn’t have to fight for that.”
City officials argue that the existing roadway complies with legal agreements established in April 2004. They claim the roadway can remain as “crusher run,” a type of gravel, until further developments are completed. However, many residents disagree, stating this is insufficient for their safety.
Chris Ricci, the city’s director of administration, confirmed that plans for a new emergency access road are underway. This enhanced roadway will connect Greenway Farm to an upcoming 20-acre expansion of Bulle Rock and is fully funded by developers. “We have made a good-faith effort to address their concerns,” Ricci stated.
Plans approved in May outline that the new emergency access road will be 20 feet wide and secured with a fence that only first responders can access. Yet, residents remain skeptical, with Bridges insisting, “Our request is that the emergency access roadway be paved immediately.”
The timeline for the new roadway remains uncertain, raising fears among residents. Bridges has called for a halt on any new home construction in Greenway Farm until the emergency access road is properly addressed. “This is a hill I am willing to die on for my community’s safety,” she declared.
This situation continues to develop as residents seek immediate action from city officials. The community’s safety hangs in the balance, and urgent responses are needed to prevent a potential disaster.
For more updates on this unfolding story, stay tuned as we follow developments closely.
