The Portage City Council convened on October 1, 2024, to discuss several agenda items, with a significant focus on a petition to vacate public ways and easements for a proposed development by Drive and Shine.

The meeting began with Greg Lorig from the DVG team presenting the petition. He explained that the request involves vacating roadway, sanitary, and water main easements related to a section of Fiesta Avenue that was never constructed. This area is located north of the intersection of Ash Street and US 6, approximately a quarter mile west of Willow Creek Road. The proposed development includes a car wash with both indoor and outdoor vacuum spaces.

Lorig detailed the preliminary site plan, indicating that the existing easements bisect the proposed development site. He emphasized the need to vacate these easements to facilitate the construction of a detention pond and a circulation road, as the current roadway dedication serves no practical purpose. He noted that the water main easement overlaps with the roadway easement, and Indian American Water Company has indicated no objections to the vacation once the water main is abandoned.

Council members engaged in discussions regarding the historical context of the planned extension of Fiesta Avenue, which was initially intended to connect to a residential neighborhood but has since become surrounded by industrial and commercial developments. City staff confirmed that the right-of-way is outdated and needs to be cleaned up to allow for proper development of the properties involved.

The council also addressed concerns about existing properties that may be affected by the vacation. Lorig assured that documentation from neighboring property owners indicated their approval of the vacation, and the proposed development would maintain shared access with adjacent properties.

After thorough discussion, a motion was made to adopt the petition to vacate the easements. The motion received a second and was unanimously approved by the council, allowing the development to proceed without the encumbrance of unnecessary easements.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to facilitating local development while addressing historical planning issues. The next steps will involve further planning and approvals as the project moves forward.