Berlin Seeking Remedy For Troubled Road

Berlin Seeking Remedy For Troubled Road
Berlin

BERLIN – The town is working toward a solution to the ever-increasing pothole problem on Harrison Avenue.

Following concerns voiced by numerous residents, Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said this week he was planning to meet with the owners of the Adkins Company to discuss the deteriorating section of Harrison Avenue owned by the store.

“My responsibility is to approach the property owner and work out something that’s mutually agreeable,” William said.

Though residents have been complaining about the growing number of potholes on Harrison Avenue for some time, the town has not been able to address the issue because the portion of the street in front of Adkins Company — where the majority of the damaged asphalt is — does not belong to the town. Williams said that as far as he knows it’s the only place in Berlin where a private entity owns property on each side of the street and the road in between.

He said this week he would be setting up a meeting with the property owner to discuss potential solutions. He said the town was willing to help determine a long-term fix to the problem.

“I’d like to think reasonable people could work something out,” Williams said.

Councilmember Lisa Hall said that with the increased development that had occurred in the area in the past decade or so Harrison Avenue experienced more traffic than it had in the past. Within the last year, she said potholes on the stretch of road in front of the lumber store had gotten so bad she no longer drives her car on it in fear of damage.

“This road needs to be maintained and repaired as it does take a lot of congestion off West Street,” she said. “Unfortunately the road is not owned by the town. Hopefully, the two parties can reach an agreement to repair and maintain the road in the future so it can be used safely.”

Aside from finalizing the town’s budget for the coming fiscal year, repairing Harrison Avenue was the mayor’s top priority.

“We’re willing to work something out,” he said.

About The Author: Charlene Sharpe

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Charlene Sharpe has been with The Dispatch since 2014. A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School and the University of Richmond, she spent seven years with the Delmarva Media Group before joining the team at The Dispatch.