Board of Works recommends vacating alley between 254 and 256 Erie Street to city council

The Valparaiso Board of Works voted to recommend that City Council vacate the alley running between 254 and 256 Erie Street, sending the planning commission's unanimous recommendation forward for final action by the council.

Planning department staff member Mr. Thompson explained that the petition to vacate the alley was submitted by petitioner Lee Lane on July 3. Thompson said staff followed “the state statute requirements and also the UDO requirements,” held a Planning Commission public hearing on July 22 and the Planning Commission forwarded a recommendation to the Board of Works by a 7‑0 vote. Thompson said city and county records show no prior formal alley vacation and that title searches and surveys indicate encroachments of about 1½ feet by adjacent properties; he also said water and gas service lines run to 256 and that the alley width is about 16½ feet.

The Board of Works voted in favor of recommending the vacation to city council. Thompson and the board clarified process: the Board of Works makes a recommendation and City Council must accept or reject the vacation by ordinance at a subsequent council meeting. One person on record identified as Lee Lane said he had a purchase agreement contingent on final approvals.

Why it matters: vacating the alley would transfer right‑of‑way to adjoining property owners (each side receiving an equal share as described in the staff presentation) but requires council ordinance to be effective. The planning staff noted encroachments and utility services in the alley that will affect title and utility coordination.

The Board of Works' recommendation advances the item to City Council for the ordinance vote required by state statute and the city's UDO.