The Kosciusko County Plan Commission voted to recommend that the county commissioners vacate two platted rights-of-way (a north–south stub and an east–west section) between properties near Seacrest Lake. The commission’s recommendation passed by a 7–1 vote and will go to the county commissioners for final action on October 21.

Petitioner Hope Benefield and counsel Steve Snyder told the commission the platted ways had not functioned as public thoroughfares for years and now posed a public-safety hazard because of irregular riprap, steep grades and recreational use by all‑terrain vehicles and golf carts. Snyder told the commission the sewer district’s grinder pump and line run through the area; the applicant has revised the proposed ordinance to reserve an easement for the sewer district. "We're looking to clean up this property… it's dangerous," Snyder said, adding that residents had reported near accidents.

Neighbors and property owners at the hearing offered differing perspectives on historical access. Steven Laferra (power of attorney for the longstanding owner of one adjacent parcel) and other neighbors said the stub had not been used regularly and supported the vacation for safety reasons. Several other residents, including property owner Sherry Houston and neighbor Carol Noble, said they rely on access across the area or use nearby passages for moving goods and parking, and they expressed concern about losing practical access to the backs of their properties. Houston said she had used the cut across a corner of Benefield’s parcel in the past with permission and warned that losing the access could complicate deliveries and building work.

Petitioner Hope Benefield said the riprap and work in the area followed earlier stabilization and sewer installation; she disputed claims that the way had been passable historically and said the riprap and maintenance were needed to protect her house from past erosion and subsidence. "The riprap was done after the sewers… The riprap was put back to hold the hill back because… the house had to be raised and reconstructed the basement," Benefield said.

Snyder said the petitioner had coordinated with the sewer district, which accepted the proposed reservation of an easement around the existing grinder pump and line. The commission discussed whether vacating the platted ways would deny anyone reasonable access; planning staff and counsel recorded that the immediate adjacent owners either already had access or would retain practical access by existing routes. Commissioners also noted that the fire department had indicated it would not use the stub as a vehicular access because of its condition.

After discussion a motion to recommend vacation passed; the planning commission record indicates the north–south stub would be divided between the two adjacent parcels and the east–west section would be split 10 feet north/10 feet south as part of the vacation ordinance. The action includes a reserved sewer easement for the existing sewer infrastructure.

The planning commission’s recommendation (7–1 in favor) will be forwarded to the Kosciusko County commissioners for a final hearing on October 21.