MUNCIE, Ind. — Avondale United Methodist Church asked the Muncie City Council on Jan. 6 to vacate a platted alley that the church says is part of its parking lot and contains its handicapped spaces and wheelchair ramp.

Alan Wisely, an attorney with Beasley & Gilkerson representing Avondale United Methodist Church and also a church member, told the council the alley appears on the original plat of the John J. Perkins addition but is paved and used as church parking. “The church owns most of the property on either side of it with the exception of two houses. Both of those homeowners are okay with vacating the alley,” Wisely said. He added that all utilities were contacted and had no objections; American Electric Power (AEP) is the sole utility with facilities in the alley and the church plans to reserve an easement for AEP.

Pastor Ed Armantraut accompanied Wisely and answered questions from council members about access for the two neighboring homes and how the church has used the paved alley for handicap parking. Council members asked for clarification about how the alley connects to the larger north/south alley and confirmed that the homeowners nearest the alley would retain access to the broader alley system.

Council procedure and next steps

Council moved to introduce Ordinance 2‑25, “an ordinance to vacate a certain public alley in the John J. Perkins addition to the city of Muncie,” with a motion by Councilperson Gilliam and a second by Councilperson Garrett. The introduction was recorded; the item will return to a future meeting for additional readings and possible adoption.

Why this matters

A vacated alley transfers title or control for that platted right‑of‑way and can affect adjacent property access, utilities and easement arrangements. Church representatives said they will reserve a utilities easement for AEP and that the two households adjacent to the alley will retain access to the wider alley network.

Ending

Council did not adopt the vacation ordinance that night; it was introduced and will be scheduled for subsequent readings and any required legal notices before a final vote.