Titusville planners deny request to vacate portion of Orange Street right of way

The Titusville Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 17 voted unanimously to recommend denial of a petition to vacate a 50-by-252-foot portion of Orange Street between South Brown Street and South De Leon Avenue.

Staff recommended denial, citing a finding that "the proposed vacation is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, specifically transportation element policy 1.6.0.2," which requires that vacating right of way not prevent reasonable connections for existing and future pedestrian and vehicle circulation. Christy Anderson, senior planner, told the commission the section provides a pedestrian connection to the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail and serves existing driveways that must be maintained.

Why it matters: commissioners and members of the public pressed for clarity on who would receive ownership if the public right of way were vacated, what existing easements cover utility and drainage needs, and how maintenance and public access would be guaranteed if the city relinquished responsibility. Those…