The Knox County Commission heard more opposition to a petition to vacate a section of Bat Nest Road in Union Township during its Jan. 22 meeting after holding a public hearing on the matter a week earlier.
Lauren McCartney of Adventure Riders Ohio expressed her initial support for keeping the road open, citing her interest in riding horses and motorcycles. "When I came into this petitioning to keep the road open, I come from a riding standpoint, horses and motorcycles, I wanted to stay open because we like that road," she said. However, McCartney's perspective shifted as she recognized the deeper connection residents have with the road. "And my perspective changed a little bit. I realized that it's not just about the riding and the access is the legacy that's tied to that these people really care deeply about this road, and I care deeply about it, but they care even more deeply, and it's in their backyards."
McCartney noted an online petition by Peggy Hawkenberry garnered 619 signatures supporting the road's preservation, with 358 signatories being Knox County residents. Her survey indicated that 249 supporters from outside the county were from Ohio or bordering West Virginia.
Brad McFadden, founder of Lost at Last Adventure Travel, offered a different viewpoint during the public hearing. He suggested that while some see an unmaintained road as a liability, it serves as an asset to venture tourism. "To many an unmaintained road that looks like a liability, a drain on county and township resources, but I'm here to offer a different perspective to the venture tourism economy served as an asset," he said.
Landowner James Miller petitioned for vacating the road to promote wildlife and timber growth on his property. He expressed frustration over his inability to drive his pickup truck through due to its current state. Miller questioned who bears responsibility for maintaining it so he can legally access his property. He said his willingness to fund repairs but opposed public access if it leads to damage.
