The Riverside County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on April 2, 2024, where a significant public hearing addressed the proposed vacation and termination of maintenance for a section of El Mineral Road. The discussion centered on a small triangular piece of land, approximately 0.06 acres, which is intended to be vacated to facilitate the development of a new housing tract.

Laura Russell, a co-owner of adjacent property, raised concerns during the public comment period. She highlighted that the proposed road vacation could impact access to her property and questioned how the plan would affect existing utilities, including a fire hydrant and water access point. Russell expressed confusion over the necessity of vacating the road, suggesting that the proposed changes could complicate access for emergency services in the area.

County staff responded to Russell's concerns, clarifying that any existing utility easements would remain intact after the road's vacation. They assured that the fire hydrant would be relocated but would still be accessible. The staff explained that the decision to realign the road was made after attempts to acquire additional right-of-way from neighboring property owners were unsuccessful.

Supervisor Jeffreys expressed surprise that there had not been more direct communication with the property owner regarding the road's alignment. He emphasized the importance of engaging with affected residents to avoid unnecessary complications in the development process.

Despite the concerns raised, the Board ultimately decided to move forward with the proposed vacation and realignment of El Mineral Road, voting unanimously in favor of the resolution. The decision reflects the county's commitment to advancing the housing project while addressing the logistical challenges presented by the existing infrastructure. The next steps will involve continued coordination with utility providers to ensure that all necessary services remain functional during and after the road's modification.