Published: May 16, 2008 11:01 pm         

Residents speak for, against Christie Road closure

Shutting down portion of roadway far from being done deal

Though far from a done deal, the idea of closing a portion of Christie Road, from Williams Road to Walnut Hollow Road, drew a handful of residents for and against the idea.

Supporters of petitioners Ted and Martha Femi said Thursday before the Allegany County commissioners that the family filed the petition in hopes of gaining a little privacy. The Femis’ home is surrounded by road, allowing everyone a view into their daily routine.

But opponents of the plan said the Femis knew what they got when they bought the home.

“The only reason I heard was privacy,” said David Farrell of nearby Luther Lane. “If you build a house in a field with only one tree, you have to go on the presumption there’s no privacy.”

Farrell also disputed the claims of Greg Getty, attorney for the petitioners, that the road was built in the 1930s. He said the original deed to his property dates to 1866 and shows the road but under a different name.

“If it was not built until 1937, how can there be a description (in 1866)?” Farrell asked.

Getty said the portion of the road, less than one-tenth of a mile, was “narrow,” with as little as 15 feet from one side to the other in some places. Farrell said if that was an issue, “you’re going to have to start past (the zoological park) and close off the majority of Christie Road.”

“I’d be more inclined to be open to this if (there was) a good reason,” Farrell said. “Privacy, that’s what they make fences for.”

Also, the closure would be an inconvenience to school bus drivers and a safety issue for fire trucks and ambulances that use the shortcut to climb Williams Road.

Samantha Twigg said her daughter is the only child who boards the school bus at the junkyard. She said it would be just as easy — and far safer — to get on the bus at Walnut Hollow Road. Cars don’t obey the posted speed limit, she said.

Some expressed concern that adjacent property owner Robert Twigg, who owns and operates Twigg’s Used Cars and Parts along the portion of Christie Road, would use the road closing to expand his junkyard. Bill Rudd, county attorney, explained that if the road is closed, the property converts to private land and becomes the responsibility of the adjacent property owners.

Rocky Stafford has operated Rocky’s Auto Service on Christie Road for the past 15 years. He said the closure would have a negative impact on his business for customers who regularly use the shortcut from Christie Road. Stafford delivered a petition against the closing to the commissioners with 42 signatures, all of whom, he said, were registered voters and included a mix of customers and area residents.

“My other worry is, Mr. (Robert) Twigg has a junkyard and he does not know how to abide by the law. Is he going to junk it up?” Stafford asked.

Pat Farrell of Christie Road echoed Stafford’s concerns.

“”I think people in this part of the county have suffered enough,” Farrell said. Closing the road is akin to “just giving (Twigg) more area to land more junk.”

Robert’s wife, Mary Twigg, said it is in the Femis’ best interest to close the road and enjoy the increased level of privacy. She said the closure would not reasonably interfere with anyone’s access to the rest of Christie Road.

Mary Twigg said the closure wouldn’t interfere with the family business.

The petition is to be reviewed by county staff and a recommendation will be forwarded to the county commissioners at a date to be determined.

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.