Residents of Ball Camp Pike expressed strong opposition to a proposed name change during a recent government meeting, citing a lack of notification and community support. Mr. Gault, a local resident, voiced concerns that the name change was unnecessary and that emergency services had never encountered issues locating addresses on the road. He noted that over 70% of neighbors he spoke with were against the change, emphasizing that many residents, particularly the elderly, would face hardships in updating their addresses.
The proposal to rename the road arose from a project aimed at improving safety by eliminating at-grade rail crossings. Director Snowden explained that the name change was part of a broader effort to address segmented roadways, which can complicate emergency response. However, he acknowledged the community's concerns and suggested that postponing the decision for 30 days could allow for further dialogue and outreach to residents.
Commissioner Midas raised questions about the county's notification process, highlighting that many residents were unaware of the proposed changes until recently. The commission ultimately voted to postpone the decision, allowing time for community engagement and consideration of alternative solutions. The meeting underscored the importance of communication between local government and residents, particularly when changes could significantly impact their daily lives.