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Planning commission recommends vacation of St. Joseph Avenue for Bruckman Rubber expansion; commission conditions include private access agreement
Summary
The commission recommended vacation and conveyance of St. Joseph Avenue and an adjacent alley to allow Bruckman Rubber to expand, including construction of a larger nitrogen tank; the action passed 6–0 with one abstention and staff said conveyance requires a later ordinance and final plat to avoid landlocked lots.
The Hastings Planning Commission on May 20 recommended vacating and conveying St. Joseph Avenue from West South Street north to the railroad tracks and an adjacent alley so Bruckman Rubber can expand its facility. The commission’s recommendation moves the proposal to the City Council with staff’s note that an ordinance and a final plat will be required before conveyance can be recorded.
Lee, a city staff member, summarized the applicant’s plan and told the commission the proposed conveyance would divide the roadway area: the red portion to Bruckman Rubber and a blue portion to Cali Pipe and Steel. Lee said the city will require a private access agreement among Bruckman Rubber, Collies and Wallace to ensure continued access if any property changes hands.
Kirk Feeney, who identified himself as representing Bruckman Rubber and gave an address of 101 South Saint Joseph, told the commission the expansion is needed to accommodate a larger nitrogen tank and additional capacity. “Triple the capacity of it and still getting a delivery every week. Hopefully, get a delivery every 3 or 4 weeks,” Feeney said, explaining the expansion would reduce operating costs and support business growth. Feeney said the company had discussed the plan with neighboring property owners and included letters of support in the staff packet.
Jeff Culley, representing Legend Trail Properties and LS Culley Enterprises, said he owned property west of the vacated street and across from the alley proposal and that he supported the application; he provided a letter of support to staff.
Tom Harmon, a nearby property owner, said he was not opposed but requested an easement for occasional ingress and egress for a large boat, explaining he sometimes uses Saint Joseph Street because of grade differences between his parking lot and the street. The commission asked whether an easement had been part of the application; Lee replied the application described a three-way access easement among the three property owners and that the city was not selling the public parking lot at this time.
After the public hearing closed, Commissioner Chuck moved approval of item 20 25 2 18; Commissioner Raqish seconded. The motion passed 6 to 0 with 1 abstention. Lee told commissioners that if the City Council approves the recommendation, a final plat will be required to combine lots so the deeds do not create landlocked parcels and the ordinance effecting the vacation and conveyance would take effect after that platting and recording process.
Staff noted the expansion is phased: an immediate nitrogen-tank expansion planned for 2026, building additions in 2026–27, and a possible purchase of the city parking lot in 2028–29 for a second building, contingent on council approval and final platting.
