Neighbors celebrate paving of Midland County's Shaffer Road

Years of struggle came to fruition Friday as Shaffer Road residents rejoiced as they watched the paving of their road.

Four years of fighting and praying finally coming to completion, said Steve Harnick, a resident of West Shaffer Road in Sanford.

Four years ago next month began a long and difficult wait for the asphalt to be laid on this one mile stretch. On Friday the asphalt was a welcome sight to Harnick and his neighbors.

In years past, signs along the side of the road were not as friendly. This time around, a new set of signs adorned the roadside signs of gratitude, right next to Fridays victory barbecue.

One sign read: Thank you Comish Finley, MCRC Manager Mr. Gupta, MDN Editor Mr. Telfer & Sam, (referring to Sam SanMigel, Midland County Road Commission superintendent).

For the first time in four years, Linda Friend and Susan Harnick were finally able to walk the entire length of the road without fear of potentially hazardous road dust.

Even members of the crew laying the asphalt were smiling. The workers had obtained this sign from the road: We love asphalt, and attached it to their vehicle. Harnick quickly grabbed the camera next to him, explaining how the whole process had been documented, and he shared the photos of the sign on the truck.

The road that Harnick and his neighbors live on was in need of repairs and was later pulverized a few years back. At the time, however, the road was not sealed and the dust particles that remained contributed to numerous concerns.

It was a safety hazard, a rust hazard, a health hazard, said resident Mike Weaver.

Weaver owns property on the south side of the road, across from Harnick.

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Neighbors celebrate paving of Midland County's Shaffer Road