Maryland Farm Bureau President James Raley penned a letter echoing the concerns of Maryland Grain Producers and Carroll County Farm Bureau relating to the Windy Hills Roundabout on Sullivan Road in Westminster.
Here is the text of the letter sent to the Caroll County Commissioners:
Dear Commissioners,
On behalf of the 9,500 farm families represented by Maryland Farm Bureau, we are writing to address the shared concerns regarding the Windy Hills Roundabout on Sullivan Road. Agriculture is a vital industry in Carroll County, contributing significantly to our state’s economy. Navigable roads, for the transportation of equipment, are extremely important to the farming community. The current design of the roundabout poses serious challenges for farmers and impacts their ability to operate efficiently.
The roundabout at Sullivan Road has proven impassable for trucks hauling grain and large agricultural machinery. Dell Brother’s Grain, a cornerstone of the agricultural industry in the county, has been significantly affected by the current design and faces safety concerns and traffic delays.
The Carroll County Farm Bureau has voiced concerns about the Windy Hills Roundabout. Maryland Farm Bureau greatly appreciates the commissioners’ dedication to supporting local agriculture, but it is evident that the roundabout’s design oversight hinders the smooth passage of farm equipment, commercial vehicles, and emergency services.
Maryland Farm Bureau echoes the Carroll County Farm Bureau in their current policy, recommending that road designs consider the passage of farm equipment and other essential vehicles. Many members have expressed valid concerns about the Windy Hills Roundabout. With the scheduled resurfacing in January 2024, it is urgent that these issues be resolved before they become irreversible.
Maryland Farm Bureau and the Maryland Grain Producers Association share the Carroll County Farm Bureau’s request to redesign the roundabout. Safety issues, inefficiencies, and potential economic burdens on local businesses are at stake. We urge you to conduct a thorough reevaluation of the current engineered design, considering the feedback from farmers and local businesses. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and operational efficiency of our agricultural community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to a prompt resolution that ensures the continued prosperity of our agriculture industry in Carroll County.
Sincerely,
James K. Raley, Jr President, Maryland Farm Bureau
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You can view the image of the letter here:
View original post on social media
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Here is an article from American Farm Publications on this topic:
https://americanfarmpublications.com/traffic-circle-driving-farmers-loopy/
Noted in that article:
“The circle, which already sits at Sullivan Road and Great Day Court, was constructed by the developer of Windy Hills, a new housing development that rests on former farmland.”
Also from the article above:
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Here is a look at the area noted in the letter: Windy Hills Roundabout on Sullivan Road in Westminster (which sits at Sullivan Road and Great Day Court)
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