At the most recent County Commission Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, residents of Pisgah showed concerns about the “rail right-of-way” that runs from Clay Community Church to Cherokee Drive in the Pisgah area of Clay County. The stretch of “rail right-of-way” is approximately ¾ mile long and runs parallel to the single, very narrow Route 28, which is the main route of transportation for the residents of Pisgah. The narrowness and steepness of Route 28 makes travel very difficult for the residents in Pisgah if they meet oncoming traffic. There are very few proper places to pull over to let a vehicle pass.
The residents have brought a proposal to the County Commission to sign a lease with Bright of America, whom owns that stretch of “rail right-of-way”, to be opened for public use. Currently, the “rail right-of-way” is being blocked and is unavailable to emergency vehicles, the residents and the bus that picks up about 20 kids for school each day. Some of the bus operators believe that if the ¾ mile stretch of “rail right-of-way” were available, potential hazards may be avoided. The residents of Pisgah stated that they will be responsible for the $750 yearly fee for the lease and the maintenance of the road. The lease is only good for one year.
Residents have expressed that they feel if the stretch of rail way was open all the time to traffic, the community would greatly benefit. The school bus that travels down that way is large and by traveling Route 28, students could be placed at risk in an emergency situation. Emergency vehicles also have a hard time navigating through on the narrow Route 28. Should there be a fire, or other type of emergency situation, residents relying on Route 28 could be trapped in. The current lease agreement needed to be revised and the commissioners are discussing signing the lease. The decision should be made at the next County Commission meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2015.
