Waukegan committee approves right-of-way vacation, two setback variances, urban farm agreement and repurchase extension

The Waukegan Community Development Committee voted June 2 to approve an ordinance vacating a portion of city right of way next to 1206 Yeoman Street with compensation to the city of $850, approved two variances for garage setbacks on West Forest Avenue, authorized an intergovernmental construction license agreement with the College of Lake County for an urban farm facility, and approved an amendment extending a repurchase agreement for 801 Market Street to March 31, 2026.

The approvals affect private property titles, pending new housing on West Forest Avenue, a city-supported urban farm, and a downtown property repurchase timeline. Committee members said the items followed standard planning and zoning procedures and, in one case, a late federal review delay.

Noel, a staff member, described the Yeoman Street item as a city right of way that had been platted for an alley that was never built. "The driveway and garage for Miss Dorsey's home have been on this right of way for at least 40-ish years," Noel said, adding that the vacation process is the city’s path to transfer…