The Graham County Board of Supervisors convened on August 15, 2025, to discuss important land matters related to Craf Avenue and the Whitmer Family Trust. County engineers revealed that Clough Road is owned by the trust, but there are no easements or public access due to an earlier minor land measure taken by the county.
During the discussion, the engineers articulated the necessity of establishing public roads on Clef Avenue to remedy this oversight. The Whitmer Family Trust has shown willingness to donate Clef Avenue to the county, provided three conditions are met. Specifically, the county needs to assist in resolving the boundary issues concerning the three parcels owned by the trust, and the roads should require tip seals, similar to prior agreements.
However, the county continues to issue building permits and undertake minor land measures that fail to secure public access to Clough Road or Clough Avenue. Representatives from the trust voiced their apprehensions about two contracts proposed by the county. The first contract lacked essential protections for the trust, while the second included clauses that would permit the county to withdraw, which does nothing to address the trust’s needs.
The conversation underscored ongoing difficulties in assessing the contributions of Clef Avenue. Trust representatives pointed out the necessity of a quiet title to clarify land boundaries, a process they anticipate will take at least three months. They mentioned that nine county officials agreed that the disputed area is indeed part of the Whitmer Family Trust. Nonetheless, dissent from county officials could lead to significant legal expenses and delays, further complicating the matter.
Trust representatives have reached out to county supervisors for assistance in handling the risks associated with the quiet title process, stressing the need for a resolution to this longstanding issue. The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration between the county and the trust to tackle complications arising from previous county decisions.
