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Council vacates 12-foot strip of Bridal Avenue to resolve long-standing encroachment
Summary
Medford City Council approved vacation of about 3,200 square feet of Bridal Avenue where an existing commercial building encroaches on the public right of way; the abutting property owner consented and will take responsibility for the strip.
The City Council on Jan. 15 approved Council Bill 2025-08, vacating about a 12-foot-wide strip of the southerly portion of Bridal Avenue east of Highway 99 to resolve a decades-old encroachment.
Kelly Aiken, planning staff, said the requested vacation affects about 3,200 square feet and stems from an apparent mid-20th century encroachment where a commercial building extends into the public right of way. A planning commission hearing recommended the council approve the vacation; no objections were received from affected property owners and the applicant is the abutting owner who consented.
Scott Center, applicant agent, told the council the project would cure a title encroachment and that any future redevelopment of the property would be required to meet current right-of-way and improvement standards. Councilor Kevin Keating moved approval and Zach Smith seconded; the motion passed on roll call with council voting yes.
A city attorney and staff explained the city does not receive an upfront payment for vacated right-of-way in these circumstances. The land will become taxable private property and the owner will bear responsibility for future dedication or improvements should redevelopment occur.
Ending: Councilors noted the vacation resolves a long-standing title issue and staff said any future development of the property would require dedication or improvements to bring the frontage to current standards.
