City plan commission approves vacation of 44-foot alley segment in 13th Aldermanic District

The Milwaukee City Plan Commission approved a resolution to vacate an approximately 44-foot portion of a 20-foot-wide unimproved north–south alley in the block bounded by East Layton Avenue, East Oxford Avenue, South Lenox Street and South Pine Avenue (file 250,395) during its meeting.

City development staff said the stretch is unimproved grass and is not needed for public access. John Latsko of the Department of City Development told commissioners the vacated alley would be divided between the two abutting properties and integrated into existing backyards. "Staff finds the alley serves no current or future public use," Latsko said, and recommended approval.

The staff report noted that properties immediately south of the subject area use an improved alley for garage access, while properties north of the proposed vacation already use the public roadways for access. The vacation request was made by the westerly abutting property owner, identified in the record as Marissa Mathiasen, who was present at the hearing.

Commissioner Renaud Washington moved to approve file 250,395 "as presented." Commissioner Willie Smith seconded. There was no further discussion and the motion carried on a voice vote.

The action will transfer the vacated alley segment to the two adjacent property owners and integrate the land into private backyards; no additional permits or public improvements were described in the record.