We are opposed to the new diamond interchange Exit 14 off of Interstate 985. It would be the only exit on I-985 that does not exit onto a main highway; it will exit into a residential area and create a need for an additional $42 million to widen Martin Road, a residential area.

Already, $36 million in taxpayer money has been approved to build Exit 14. However, we are not convinced it is needed.

Exit 14 will create more problems than it solves, especially for Martin Road residents. Residents do not need or want a main throughway through their neighborhood with trucks and heavy traffic. Frankly, it will ruin our quiet residential neighborhood.

We propose a new suggestion, revising the plan to construct an exit on the north side of I-985 only. Of course, there would be on and off ramps on the north side of I-985. An on ramp and a single lane overpass from the north lane of I-985 to HF Reed Industrial Parkway would eliminate the need for an exit onto Martin Road. It would also eliminate the need for an additional $42 million and reduce the cost of Exit 14.

The whole project seems to be designed to develop commercial property and expand Oakwood’s tax base. Our suggestion would resolve their problem on the north side of I-985 and our problem on the south side.

Government has approved millions for a project we believe is not needed. Exits 16 and 17 already provide access to Ga. highways 53, 13 and the Chestnut Mountain area. However, there is a desperate need to widen Spout Springs Road. We believe that money should be shifted to the Spout Spring Road project, where it is desperately needed and wanted.

If Exit 14 cannot be halted or revised, one can only imagine what Martin Road will be like when all the new traffic is poured onto our already busy country road. Most disturbing is the fact that the Department of Transportation now plans to construct Exit 14 and open it before widening Martin Road. This means that it may be years before Martin Road can be widened after Exit 14 is opened.

We do not understand why our government is willing to allow this to happen to residents of this area. We remind you Martin Road is a 1-mile long residential country road with five housing subdivisions, two churches, one school, the Hall County Mulberry Community Center on JW Turk Road, many private homes and several businesses.

We are asking the GDOT, Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Planning Organization, Hall County commissioners and all elected officials to stop Exit 14 or revise the plan as we have suggested.

Please help us resolve this situation now, while we can be helped and before Exit 14 is constructed and opens. We would like to hear your suggestions and thoughts on this matter; we must find a way to resolve this situation.

Brad Farrow
Martin Road First Association, Chestnut Mountain