FORK, Md. (Map, News) - Halfway down Regwood Road is a gate.

And to the residents along the quiet, country lane in quiet, country Fork, Md. — population 70 — it’s a touchy subject.

“The gate has caused nothing but bitterness in what used to be a cozy, charming community,” attests Roland Wheelbarger.

Residents battling to keep the gate closed, as it’s been for 16 years, have prevailed in a dispute that has divided this small community in north Baltimore County, just before the Harford County line. A county hearing officer has ordered the gate, which blocks through traffic from Regwood between Fork and Harford roads, to remain closed forever.

Residents along Regwood Road south of the closure hailed the ruling, which they said will safeguard children that frequently play on the 10-foot road.

“Forget about the people that live on the road and the safety and welfare of everyone,” David Hartman said of the request to open the gate. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

Talk of opening the road has occasionally resurfaced since 1991, with residents frequently breaking the lock on the gate to go through it, and circulating petitions and counterpetitions.

In his ruling, county zoning officer Don Rascoe acknowledged his decision would please some and disadvantage others, and indeed, not everyone in Fork is happy.

Opening the gate would disperse some of the traffic clogging Harford and Fork roads, some residents said, and owners of about 50 homes north of the gate are unfairly separated from the main drag, they said.

Evelyn Sanders, 75, said she recently had to get out of her car and walk home after police closed the intersection of Harford and Fork roads for an accident. Her husband had to wait in the car, she said.

“We’re sandwiched in here,” Sanders said. “I’m only worried about the safety aspect of it.”

Rascoe said his ruling was based in part on the safety of children who use a bus stop at Regwood and Harford roads.

jmalarkey@baltimoreexaminer.com