Resident opposes planned sale of alley near Franklin Street; council sets public hearing for Feb. 17

Council set a public hearing for 6 p.m. Feb. 17 to consider the sale of a public right-of-way after staff notified the council that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval.

During the meeting’s public comments period, Lisa Pearson of 423 Franklin Street said she has lived at that address for 45 years and opposed the sale because she uses the alley to access the west side of her backyard. Pearson described needing alley access recently when her husband was in hospice and said a neighbor’s parked pickup blocked her access; police had to be called on multiple occasions. “I don’t want him to buy the alley because otherwise I don’t have any west way to get into my backyard,” she told the council.

Staff told Pearson the public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 17 and encouraged her to return to the hearing to present her concerns. A staff member said the building official would follow up with the person who made the offer to purchase the alley and that the city attorney will be prepared to discuss options at the Feb. 17 hearing.

The council did not take a final vote on the sale at this meeting; the public hearing will be the forum for additional testimony and the council’s subsequent decision.