Plan commission approves vacation of John’s Court; council public hearing set for Oct. 14

On Sept. 23 the Onalaska Plan Commission voted to approve a petition to vacate and discontinue John’s Court, transferring the public right‑of‑way to the adjacent property owners subject to five staff conditions.

City planner Katie Aspenson told the commission that the Common Council previously approved a preliminary resolution to vacate the street (referred to in the meeting as “preliminary resolution seventeen‑twenty 25”) and that a public hearing before the Common Council is scheduled for Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Aspenson said the city began the process to consider the vacation and that the packet included the applicant’s letter and a legal description of the area to be vacated.

Commissioner Jared Holter moved to approve the vacation and discontinuance with the five conditions listed in staff materials; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Jim Madash. Jared Holter noted that the street would have served a large stormwater detention area that is unlikely to be developed and said the right‑of‑way was not needed. The motion carried by voice vote; the meeting record shows the commission approved the request.

Next steps: Because the Common Council will hold the public hearing on Oct. 14, final action will be taken there following public notice. If the council approves, the public right‑of‑way will be conveyed to the adjacent owners as outlined in the legal description and subject to the listed conditions.