Commission recommends vacating sliver of Hope Drive to Ward Plaza parcel, subject to easements and public‑park MOU

The Planning Commission voted to forward a recommendation to City Council to vacate and convey a 0.22‑acre remnant of the Hope Drive right‑of‑way to the adjacent Ward Plaza redevelopment parcel (330 Hope Drive), subject to retained public utility easements, an administrative subdivision consolidation plat and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) preserving the land as public green space.

Staff explained the parcel is a leftover shoulder from a roadway realignment and is encumbered by several utility easements that limit buildable area. Public Services staff said the remnant has been used as green space and that any conveyance would include recorded restrictions. The staff report noted Wells Fargo (an adjacent owner) previously declined interest in the sliver; staff is awaiting an updated response from that owner.

Commissioners asked that the land not be used to increase allowable dwelling unit counts for the Ward Plaza PUD and requested language that the parcel remain publicly accessible green space with private maintenance obligations to be spelled out in an MOU. One commissioner recalled a similar remnant being conveyed downtown for a pocket park; staff said that prior transfer included an MOU and maintenance responsibilities for the private owner while preserving public access.

A motion to forward ROW‑25‑1 to City Council for first reading and conveyance passed with the conditions: retention of necessary public utility easements; administrative approval of a consolidation plat; and an MOU requiring that the site remain green space with private maintenance and not convey additional density to the property. The recommendation moves to Council for a public hearing and final action.