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Council backs pilot to close select unopened rights-of-way in historic districts
Summary
Council approved a pilot program to close up to six unopened rights-of-way in historic neighborhoods and convey the land to adjacent homeowners, reserving utility easements when necessary.
The council authorized a pilot to close a limited number of unopened rights-of-way in historic neighborhoods and convert those strips to adjoining property owners, with exceptions for utility easements, city staff and the city attorney said.
Councilwoman Jennifer Stepp explained that the unopened lanes date to coal‑delivery paths and other early 20th‑century features that later fell into a legal gray area between private lots and city ownership. Residents in some historic neighborhoods raised concerns about responsibility for fallen trees, maintenance and disputes over use of those narrow parcels.
City Attorney Eric (last name not stated in transcript) told the council the statute permits the city to close an unopened right‑of‑way and reserve easement rights for utilities if necessary. The Facilities Management Committee recommended a pilot of up to six properties to test the process before broader action.
The council approved the committee recommendation and will work out application and evaluation details with legal staff and homeowners before implementing the pilot, council members said.
