Greenway Farm Residents Threaten Legal Action Over Emergency Road

URGENT UPDATE: Residents of Greenway Farm, one of Havre de Grace’s largest housing developments, are gearing up for legal action against the city over a critical issue: the absence of a functional emergency access road for the past 20 years.

The community, which is home to over 480 families, has voiced deep concerns regarding their safety amid potential catastrophes, particularly with a CSX train running beneath the only access road and a nearby propane supply company. Greenway Farm resident Robert Gibson stated, “If either of them has a mishap, we would be stranded in our neighborhood with no way to get out.”

The controversy dates back to 2004, when the 150 acres of land for Greenway Farm was annexed into Havre de Grace. At that time, city officials mandated that no occupancy permits could be issued until a final location for an emergency exit roadway was established and completed. Despite this directive, residents report that the emergency roadway remains a dirt path obstructed by a padlocked chain-link fence.

Residents, including Courtney Bridges, have been vocal at town meetings since 2022, urging city leaders to take action. “I am tired of the games being played in Havre de Grace. I just want to live in a safe neighborhood,” Bridges asserted, expressing frustration over the lack of progress.

City officials maintain that the current emergency roadway situation complies with legal agreements made with developers in April 2004. According to Adam Rybczynski, senior aide to the mayor, the existing emergency access can remain in its current state as the development progresses. However, many residents disagree, arguing that the path is inadequate for emergencies.

In response to community concerns, city director Chris Ricci confirmed a second emergency roadway is planned. This new access point will connect Greenway Farm to a developing 20-acre section of nearby Bulle Rock and will be funded by the developers. The new road is expected to improve safety, but no timeline for its completion has been disclosed.

Plans for the emergency access road, recently approved in May, outline a 20-foot-wide roadway secured by a 6-foot fence accessible only to first responders. Despite these assurances, Bridges remains skeptical and insists that the existing emergency road must be addressed immediately. “Our request is that the emergency access roadway be paved immediately,” she demanded, adding that construction of any new homes should halt until the access issue is resolved.

As the situation develops, residents of Greenway Farm are left to grapple with the potential risks associated with their community’s inadequate emergency infrastructure.

With tensions rising, the residents’ push for safety continues. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent matter as it unfolds.

Have a news tip? Contact Matt Hubbard at [email protected], 443-651-0101 or @mthubb on X.