City to contact property owners after survey finds missing right-of-way on Washington Drive

City staff told the Mount Shasta City Council that a recent RFP-funded survey shows the city lacks sufficient right-of-way along Washington Drive to complete planned improvements including curb and gutter, sidewalks, storm drainage and bike lanes.

Public-works staff presented the survey findings and asked council for direction on next steps. Staff outlined several options: requesting voluntary deeded dedication from property owners, negotiating purchases, exploring condemnation (eminent domain) if necessary, or seeking grants to fund acquisitions. The presentation noted grant programs for reconstruction rarely include right-of-way acquisition, increasing the importance of securing property or donated easements before pursuing construction funding.

Councilors discussed outreach strategy. One councilor advised initial legwork to determine which properties would be affected and whether owners are likely to be willing to dedicate narrow strips of land in exchange for improved street, curb and drainage. Another councilor proposed an ad hoc committee; staff and other councilors preferred staff-led outreach first, followed by potential committee work if more detailed community coordination is required.

Council gave staff direction to begin contacting property owners whose parcels would be affected by a change in easement or right-of-way and to report back. Staff said they would measure the distance between the current curb line and the required roadway footprint, and inform property owners what they would receive in return (sidewalks, curb/gutter, improved drainage). The council noted safety concerns, recurring flooding and traffic collisions along Washington Drive as reasons to prioritize the work.

No vote was required to give direction; the council agreed on the next steps and staff will return with more detailed findings and an outreach plan.