Commission tables decision on vacating undeveloped rights-of-way after resident objects, directs staff to negotiate

The Board of County Commissioners on July 8 tabled a proposal to vacate multiple undeveloped rights-of-way in the Huntington Groves and Huntington Unit B subdivisions after a nearby landowner objected to vacating one specific street that he said provides potential future access.

Public Works told the board this was the second hearing on the vacation request and that utilities and Public Works had no objections because the roads were undeveloped and surrounded largely by a single landowner. "This is the second meeting for it to go into effect. There have been no problems with any of the vacated. It's completely undeveloped, and there's only 1 landowner around all of it. And so Public Works has no objection, neither do any of the utilities," staff said.

A property owner identified as Donnie Hall spoke during public comment to say his family (the Carter family) owns adjacent property and that they do not oppose most of the proposed vacations but asked that Chapman Boulevard remain in place to preserve a potential future access route to the back of his 480-acre parcel. Hall said his property has existing paved-road frontage on County Road 308 but that Chapman Boulevard would provide additional access around wetlands.

Commissioners and Public Works staff discussed maps and noted wetland constraints and that vacating the platted roads could require replats for future development. "If the lot gets subdivided, how would that new property owner then access the property? ... we would not recommend taking an action that would landlock a piece of property," Public Works noted.

Given the competing interests, Commissioner Alexander moved to table the item and ask Public Works to contact the applicant to see whether the applicant would accept leaving the bottom (southern) 30-foot unnamed street open or otherwise modify the request to preserve access. The board approved the motion and directed staff to work with both parties, and at least one commissioner said they planned a site visit before the item returns.

Public Works said it would reach out to the applicant and the objecting landowner to try to find a mutually acceptable solution; the commission asked staff to schedule a follow-up hearing after those conversations and any site visits.