Posted: Monday, December 14, 2015 6:37 pm
Garrett County takes ownership of Overlook Pass RoadElaine Blaisdell eblaisdell@times-news.comThe Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — The Garrett County Commission voted unanimously following a public hearing Monday afternoon to accept a petition for Overlook Pass Road to become part of the public roads system.
“The bankruptcy court abandoned this road, which put it in a unique position because it is a road that links two existing county roads and there was, at that point in time, no vehicle for the maintenance of the road; nor was there a way to establish what parties would be responsible for the road,” said Gorman Getty III, county attorney. “The road itself is now owned by the county.”
In 2013, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland approved a plan of liquidation for DC Development. The developer notified the homeowners association, which had been a part of the Wisp Development, as well as the county, that DCD wouldn’t continue to be involved in the maintenance of Overlook Pass. At the conclusion of the bankruptcy, the bankruptcy court abandoned Overlook Pass and conveyed it to the county, according to Getty.
No one commented either for or against the petition during the public comment portion of the hearing. One letter was received from a concerned citizen regarding the petition and residents have voiced concerns about traffic congestion on Marsh Hill Road, said Paul Edwards, commission chairman. The letter will be incorporated into the public record.
“We are working with the Wisp to try to mitigate those issues with traffic. I think we have some really good plans and we are seeking some finances to help with traffic flow there,” said Edwards.
The county is also in an agreement with EPT and the former DCD homeowners association to assist with costs associated with Overlook Pass, according to Getty.
A formal written decision to include the road in the county road system will be made by the commissioners.
In November 2013, the county agreed to provide snow removal service on Overlook Pass, where about 40 people live, for one winter season only.
More Information Here: http://www.times-news.com/news/local_news/garrett-county-takes-ownership-of-overlook-pass-road/article_6a607f02-a124-5a24-b286-73c924b5af3b.html
