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Council approves first reading to vacate alleyway at Clark Self Storage, reserves easements for utilities and drainage
Summary
Town council approved on first reading an ordinance to vacate an alleyway that runs between Clark Self Storage and adjacent properties, with utility easements reserved for Duke Energy and Comcast and a drainage reservation to be resolved before final reading.
On first reading the Lake Placid Town Council approved an ordinance to vacate a platted alleyway that bisects Clark Self Storage and adjacent properties, moving the proposal toward final adoption after staff and applicants agreed to technical edits and reserved easements.
Town planner Dana Riddell summarized the request, saying the alleyway had been platted decades ago but long used and developed as part of private storage facilities. The applicant, represented by attorney Kim Sapp, said buildings were constructed over portions of the alleyway in 1959 and that Duke Energy and Comcast have underground facilities in place.
The ordinance (No. 2025-06) as introduced reserves utility easements for the existing underground facilities. Town staff and the applicant said they were negotiating language on a drainage and flowage easement; public-works staff and the town's technical advisor suggested reserving drainage options until a county-supported stormwater master plan is completed.
Town attorney Harris and the applicant proposed resolving remaining drainage wording before second reading. Harris recommended approving first reading so the parties could finish drafting final easement language and obtain any required consents from neighboring property owners. "My recommendation is that you approve this on first reading," Harris told the council, noting precedent for alley vacations handled on a case-by-case basis.
Council voted to approve the ordinance on first reading. Recorded roll call: Council member Worley (yes), Council member Everhart (yes), Council member Hayes (yes), Council member Charles (yes).
Why it matters: The vacation resolves long-standing property-use questions for Clark Self Storage and clarifies utility access rights for incumbent providers. The council preserved the town's ability to require drainage rights if future stormwater planning indicates a public need.
Next steps: The town and applicants will finalize drainage easement language and obtain any outstanding consents before the second reading, which staff indicated is scheduled per the published notice schedule. Utilities will retain reserved easements for existing facilities, and the ordinance will return for final adoption once staff and the applicant agree on drainage language.
