Our community along County Road 975 North and surrounding areas, including small sections of 1000 East and 1150 East, is in urgent need of road improvements. The deteriorating condition of these roads poses significant risks to the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and emergency response vehicles. Despite the clear and pressing need, the county has repeatedly denied our requests to pave these roads, leaving our community to endure unacceptable hazards and increasing challenges.

The poor road conditions make traveling these routes not only uncomfortable but outright dangerous. In the past year alone, ambulances dispatched to our area have been forced to move slowly due to the rough, uneven surfaces, delaying potentially lifesaving care. For residents and visitors alike, navigating the potholes, loose gravel, and uneven terrain is a daily struggle that compromises safety and mobility.

Beyond these immediate safety concerns, the poor condition of the roads also generates significant dust as a side effect, reducing air quality and contributing to respiratory issues for residents, especially those with preexisting conditions. This issue is compounded by the increased traffic in our growing community, as well as the environmental impact on Otterbein Lake—a beautiful natural habitat for wildlife, including eagles, waterfowl, and great horned owls.

Addressing the Peat Issue:
One of the reasons cited by the county for not paving County Road 975 North is the presence of peat under the surface, based on core samples taken over two years ago. While peat can present engineering challenges, it is not an insurmountable barrier to road construction. Across the world, roads are successfully paved over peatlands using modern engineering techniques such as preloading, geotextiles, and soil stabilization methods.

We believe that dismissing paving entirely due to the presence of peat overlooks the advancements in infrastructure technology that can address these conditions effectively. The safety and well-being of our residents should drive creative solutions, rather than deter action.

We, the undersigned, call on the Warren County Commissioners and Highway Department to:

1.Prioritize paving County Road 975 North, including the affected portions of 1000 East and 1150 East, to address the growing, safety, health and environmental concerns.

2.Recognize the increased traffic and community growth around Otterbein Lake as urgent factors necessitating immediate action.

3.Commit to a clear and actionable timeline for paving these roads as part of the county’s infrastructure improvement plans.

Why This Matters:
Leaving these roads unpaved is no longer a viable option for our community. The poor road quality directly endangers public safety, delays emergency response times, and creates daily hazards for residents and visitors. In addition, the dust generated as a side effect of these unimproved roads contributes to respiratory issues, reduces visibility, and impacts the local environment, including the delicate ecosystem around Otterbein Lake.

We are asking Warren County officials to recognize the unique challenges our community faces and to work with us to find a solution. Paving these roads is essential to ensuring the health and safety of our residents, preserving the natural environment we value, and supporting the growth and prosperity of our community.

Sign this petition to show Warren County officials that we demand action to pave County Road 975 North! Together, we can advocate for a safe, healthy, and thriving community.