Screven commissioners table proposed abandonment of Cypress Pond Road right-of-way after public safety concerns

Chairman Will Boyd convened the Screven County Board of Commissioners on March 11, 2025, for a public hearing on a proposal to abandon and dispose of a section of the right-of-way for Cypress Pond Road. Residents and the railroad presented competing concerns, and the board voted to table the matter.

Frank Beasley, who said he lives at the end of Cypress Pond Road, told the commission that closing the road would affect his business and could hinder emergency services reaching properties at the road27s terminus. Foster Shuman said the roadway provides a critical outlet near Middleground Church Road and urged the board to keep it open.

Chris Pear, speaking for the railroad, said the railroad seeks to close the crossing for safety reasons and because of erosion along the track but said the company is willing to work with the county to improve the road and to help fund those improvements. Commissioners asked for additional technical and process information and for the railroad to meet with the county's Roads and Bridges staff before the next meeting.

Commissioner Ben Thompson moved to table the agenda item on abandonment and disposal of the right-of-way; Commissioner Rosa Romeo seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The commission did not adopt any changes to the right-of-way or take final action at the March 11 meeting.

The board directed staff to arrange a meeting between the railroad and county Roads and Bridges, and to return the item with additional information at a future meeting.