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Jackson City council approves closure of Lane Avenue segment for Lane College plaza
Summary
Council approved permanently closing a portion of Lane Avenue between North Hayes Avenue and Middleton Street to create a pedestrian plaza linking Lane College’s north and south campuses; Lane College and emergency services say access and response were considered. Vote: 9 to 0.
Jackson City council on July 1 voted to close and abandon a portion of Lane Avenue between North Hayes Avenue and Middleton Street to allow construction of a pedestrian plaza connecting Lane College’s north and south campuses.
The closure, presented by Donald W. Comer, interim president of Lane College, was described as part of a campus improvement project intended to improve safety, walkability and space for campus and community events. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote, recorded as 9 to 0.
Lane College told the council the plaza would “unify the north and south sides of Lane’s campus, improve the overall student experience, and create an open inviting space for both campus and community events,” and said the plan had been developed with input from public safety officials. Donald W. Comer said the college had worked early and continuously with Jackson Police Chief Tom Corley, Jackson Fire Department Chief Bridal and Kevin Deaton, director of emergency services, to address emergency vehicle access and response time.
Comer said the design work focused on maintaining public safety and service continuity while providing a civic plaza adjacent to campus. He wrote and read a prepared statement asking the council for “favorable consideration of this proposal” and thanking city leaders for their partnership.
A council member disclosed on the record that they are an employee of Lane College and stated the employment did not disqualify them from voting; the council proceeded to vote with no roll-call objections.
The council’s action is limited to the city’s power to close and abandon the public roadway in question; the transcript records no immediate timeline or construction contract tied to the closure. City staff and Lane College representatives said they had coordinated with emergency services but did not attach an implementation date to the ordinance during the meeting.
The closure was introduced under new business as item 7. The college’s presentation and the council’s vote occurred within the same agenda item; the transcript contains the college statement and the council member disclosure in the discussion portion of that item.
No ordinances, contract numbers, or mitigation conditions beyond the statements of coordination with emergency services were recorded in the council’s discussion on July 1.
