During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed two significant roadway abandonment proposals in Hanford, California, aimed at improving local infrastructure and land use.

The first proposal involved an amendment to resolution 18-40-R, which seeks to include an additional 1,289 square feet of the former East Lacey Boulevard alignment into the original abandonment request. This amendment is necessary due to an oversight in the previous legal description of the abandoned area. The project, located west of State Route 43, is part of a broader development plan initiated in 2014 for the Costco area, which included the requirement to realign East Lacey Boulevard and construct a roundabout at its intersection with State Route 43. The council unanimously approved the amendment, which was deemed a cleanup measure with no public opposition noted during the meeting.

The second item on the agenda was a request to set a public hearing for August 6, 2024, regarding the abandonment of approximately 2,551 square feet of alleyway located north of Florinda Street, between Dowdy and Harris Streets. This request, made by QK on behalf of St. Brigid's Church, aims to facilitate better access for both the church and the nearby community hospital. The alleyway is currently underutilized for public access and primarily serves patrons of the hospital and churchgoers. The council agreed to set the public hearing date, with staff noting that the project is also exempt from further environmental review under California's CEQA guidelines.

Both proposals reflect the city’s ongoing efforts to optimize land use and enhance community access while ensuring compliance with local zoning regulations. The council's decisions are expected to streamline future development and improve connectivity in the area.