Planning commission forwards sale of small unopened Joyner Street parcel to council

The City of Covington Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve the sale of about 0.275 acres of an undeveloped portion of Joyner Street to petitioner Ralph Vineyard.

Staff and petitioner said the strip is an unopened right of way between Square 20 and Square 19 in the Connolly addition; the parcel was described in the application as roughly 50 by 240 feet and approximately 0.275 acres. City public works staff reported there are no water or sewer utilities in the segment proposed for sale.

City staff outlined the legal difference between a revocation (which vests ownership to adjoining property owners at no cost under the city's prior code practice) and a sale authorized by special enabling legislation, which permits an appraisal and sale without signatures from all adjoining owners. The staff presentation noted the sale option has been used previously in the parish and by other municipalities in the area.

Beau Bryant, speaking for the petitioner, said the purchase would allow the petitioner to assemble adjoining lots to meet setback, parking and landscaping requirements and to make the parcel commercially viable. Commissioners asked whether the petitioner owned both sides of the right of way; staff said Mr. Vineyard owns one side, has Lot 5 on the other, and a purchase agreement on Lot 4.

The commission voted on a motion to recommend the sale; roll call votes in the meeting record were recorded as all present voting yes. The recommendation forwards the sale to the City Council, which will consider appraisal, price and any conditions attached to the conveyance.