A lady from Salyersville, Kentucky, is attempting to keep her house of 55 years after discovering that county authorities want to destroy it in order to construct a new roadway. She is battling to save her home.
When it was disclosed that a proposed highway project named Mountain Parkway Expansion would run straight through the heart of her property, Janet Arnett informed the CBS station WYMT that she learned that her longstanding dwelling will be demolished. This information was presented during a community meeting in Magoffin County.
“I am 76 years old. “As you are aware, I’m not going to be around for a very long time,” Arnett said with the publication. How come I am not allowed to remain in this house? It’s my home.” She continued by saying, “It’s a small house, but to me it can feel like a mansion.”
As reported by the New York Post, Arnett was first informed that the extension may potentially cross over a portion of her property boundary.
The new section, on the other hand, will be designated as a “four-lane, undivided, limited access highway that spans from US 460 in Salyersville (Magoffin County) to KY 404 in Prestonsburg (Floyd County)” and will pass directly by her residence.
Arnett said to WYMT that the amount of money that the county provided for her house would not be sufficient since the memories that were contained inside the residential property were too significant to be destroyed.
Furthermore, she said that she and her family had asked that the last section of the highway extension be constructed either behind or in front of her house. However, she stated that authorities informed them that this would be difficult due to the fact that there were development and structural concerns that would prevent it from happening.
Additionally, they suggested transferring the house from its present position to a lower area of the land; but, according to reports, authorities informed them that this course of action would not be feasible since there would not be sufficient space for the installation of a septic tank.
To put it another way, it is not a problem if they wish to construct the road. On the other hand, Arnett told WYMT, “Just leave me alone.” “Construct it in front of me; construct it behind me,” she said. I simply want to remain at my place, if you know what I mean. This is where.”
The family said that they have also attempted to contact Governor Andy Beshear, officials from the state and county, and members of the transportation board; however, they have not been successful in finding any viable answers to the problem.
During this interim period, they have put up a petition on Change.org and begun an internet campaign in order to advocate for Arnett’s house to remain in its current location.
“It breaks our hearts to see her go through that,” DeMarchis added. “We are going through it with her.” I mean, the things that they are putting her through right now are something that is nearly incomprehensible. In other words, all we are doing is requesting that they consider what it really means.