An Abington land owner’s property survey could become much simpler if Wayne County’s commissioners vacate parts of eight alleys and roads that have never been developed.
The Wayne County Advisory Plan Commission voted 6-0 March 19 to recommend commissioners approve a resolution vacating the roadways as requested by Shawn Phenis, who owns surrounding parcels southeast of Pottershop Road’s intersection with Abington Pike. He plans to separate 3 acres for his son and that becomes easier if the roadways, which Phenis said have been cow pastures his entire life, are vacated and become his property.
Steve Higinbotham, the county administrator, said the town was platted in 1817, including the streets and alleys. They were never developed, and because the town was not incorporated, the county administers them.
Neighbor Stephanie Boggs requested during the public hearing that a portion of Third Street from Pottershop Road to her property be maintained as gravel because it’s the only access to her property. Before voting their recommendation, commission members amended the petition to not vacate that portion of Third Street.
Higinbotham said the amended resolution will go before commissioners March 25, then commissioners will schedule a public hearing before they vote on the resolution.
This reporting was made possible in part by Whitewater Community Television.
A version of this article appeared in the March 25 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.