MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — It looks like the issue of the possible addition of a property access point in Magnolia Springs will be negotiated without the help of town leaders, for now.

During its regular December meeting, the Magnolia Springs Town Council considered a request by Tracey Thomason to obtain a culvert permit in order to place a driveway on property that would enable access to a portion of his 20 acres of land via an existing easement Thomason has.

A lengthy discussion of the issue included input from several residents of Woodland subdivision, which would be affected if the culvert was installed. In addition, several council members weighed in on the issue. Among them was Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Holk, who addressed the town’s zoning requirements regarding such a request.

“When you put the culvert in, that is going to have to be paved to Pecan Grove Street,” he said of the street situated in the Woodlands subdivision.”

The discussion also touched on water runoff that could be caused by the addition.

“We would hope you put it on the north side of that easement,” Holk said.

He added that this is the first time the town has addressed such a request.

“This is new to us,” Holk said. “We want to make sure we get everything right and be good neighbors.”

Getting everything right includes following correct procedures, as town leaders pointed out that unless opposition or questions arise, such requests are automatically approved within 30 days.

With that in mind, the request was withdrawn a few days after the December council meeting. Instead, the property owners and members of Woodlands subdivision agreed to negotiate the details of the project. Once worked out, the plan is expected to be brought back to the town if needed.