Council rejects request to vacate Locust Street alley; debate centers on access and gravel

The Davenport City Council voted 9-1 on April 23 to deny an ordinance (case R0W25-01) that would have vacated part of an alley right-of-way north of Locust Street between Bell Avenue and Dougalby Street.

The planning and zoning commission had recommended denial; council members and nearby residents debated whether vacation would eliminate public access, who should pay for paving or repairs, and how gravel placed on city property should be handled.

Two residents who live adjacent to the alley spoke against vacating the right-of-way unless the city and the property owners reached an agreement guaranteeing safe ingress and egress. Sean Agan, Ward 1, said he “strongly oppose[d] the alley vacate unless we can come to agreement on the city's proposal.”…