The Planning Advisory Board on Aug. 20 recommended approval of a resolution to vacate an unnamed alley/right‑of‑way that runs through the First Presbyterian Church property at 15 Church Street.

City staff explained the alley was platted in 1889 and that the church building predates that plat (the church was built in 1886). The alley, as mapped in the historic plat, runs into the church building and its parking lot. Staff said no utilities objected to the vacation but that any underlying utility easements would be retained as blanket easements over the vacated area.

Board discussion focused on pedestrian connectivity and the downtown master plan. One board member noted the recently approved downtown master plan included a potential pedestrian enhancement in the same area and asked whether vacating the right‑of‑way would foreclose future pedestrian connections. City staff and the church’s representative said the alley is not currently usable as a public pedestrian route because it runs through the church building and parking areas; the applicant’s consultant offered to relocate any needed pedestrian easement to the west side of the property if city staff or the public later requested a connection.

Applicant remarks: Bob Witten of J Witten and Associates, representing the church, said the property owner volunteered to provide an easement elsewhere on the site if the city required a future pedestrian connection. He said the vacation was sought to clear title and to avoid confusion for future repairs, insurance and potential site work.

Board action: a motion to approve the vacation was made and seconded; the board approved the vacation by voice vote. The resolution includes the reservation of utility easements over the vacated area.