Property owner petitions to vacate paper street at 618 Lincoln Ave.; council to consider ordinance advertisement

An attorney representing a property owner asked the borough to vacate a paper street that divides two parcels near 618 Lincoln Avenue. Staff said the right-of-way was originally acquired decades ago to allow a future Adams Street extension but has never been opened and now leaves adjacent parcels with nonstandard dimensions that limit development.

According to staff, petitioners agreed to pay all costs associated with the vacation, waive claims against the borough arising from the vacation and indemnify the borough should third parties assert claims. Staff explained the borough code permits vacating paper streets and described the next steps: council would authorize staff to prepare and advertise an ordinance; a public hearing would be required prior to any adoption and could occur the same evening the ordinance is considered.

Staff said the outcome would allow the adjacent landowner to transfer parcels to a developer to pursue future housing and remove a maintenance liability for the borough.