JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Concerns regarding a property easement for Teludachee Trail at Sequatchie Point subdivision–near New Hope and South Pittsburg–were shared during the County Commission’s August meeting.
Troy Vannatta, a resident of Sequatchie Point, came forward to the Board of Mayor & Commissioners in regards to an easement contract for a public road to be built across his property. He explained upon the subdivision first being built and being divided into two phases , the developer of the property discovered that in order for the entrance of the “lower section” of Teludachee Trail to be constructed, it would have to be placed directly across Vannatta’s property. Vannatta stated a contract between himself and the developer was made, with the road to be built under county regulations. And if all requirements were not met, then the easement to the roadway would go directly to Vannatta.
“From our perspective, what is decided about this one case actually affects and will pertain to about 25 other lots in phase two,” explained Vannatta.
His main concerns were directed towards lots within phase two, purchased by Nicole Mullan, as he felt the owner’s plans for the lots would not meet with the contract’s restrictions, as the lots are located adjacent his property in addition to an area prone to landslides . He also stated the entrance to Teludachee Trail was originally supposed to go directly to the county, which never happened. And while the stretch of road is left unfinished and seemingly blocked off by Troy’s property, the stretch of roadway is connected to Teludachee Trail and legally accessible.
Mullan, who attended the meeting, stated she received a cease and desist letter regarding crossing 60 feet of Troy’s property for the stretch of road, while adding that no notice was made to any landowner of lots in phase two of the subdivision. Because of a lack of notice being sent out regarding other property owners to pay for Troy’s property, Mullan felt misinformation was made towards all property owners of phase two, especially whether access to the entrance to Teludachee Trail is closed off due to it crossing through Troy’s land.
“None of them have been notified that the Vannattas want their property back, or that we have to pay for their property,” said Mullan.
When asked by Commissioner Ruric Brandt what action the county could take to satisfy all parties involved, attorney William Gouger explained how the county could convert Teludachee Trail into a county-owned roadway. However, by doing so would cause a condemnation of privately owned land, a decision which previous county commission bodies avoided doing.
It was ultimately agreed that the situation is to be handled privately between both Troy and Nicole, as the county does not own the entry to Teludachee Trail. However, Gouger stated before the topic’s conclusion that to some degree, the county could be left to help pick up the pieces to an otherwise complex situation regarding the ownership and easement of the lower entry point to Teludachee Trail.