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Committee approves vacation of Brook Street strip, retaining utility easements
Summary
The committee approved vacating a half-width unimproved right-of-way of Brook Street east of North 17th Street (about 300 feet) while retaining easements for utilities; staff said the strip's best use is to merge with adjacent industrial property and to relieve the city of maintenance responsibilities.
The Planning & Development Committee voted to vacate a half-width, unimproved strip of Brook Street east of North 17th Street and to retain easements for utilities, clearing the way for the adjacent industrial property owner to use the land for setbacks or parking.
Russ (city staff) told the committee the right-of-way extends about 300 feet and contains a deep sanitary sewer and electric infrastructure, which necessitates retention of easements if the strip is vacated. "If vacated, the property would be added to the adjacent industrial property... and it would enable renovations on that property to utilize that expanded area," Russ said. Staff concluded the right-of-way is not needed for future street purposes and noted the city has periodically maintained the strip in the past.
Several committee members questioned whether the city should appraise and sell the strip instead of effectively transferring usage to a private property owner; one member noted an appraisal could cost roughly $3,000 and that the parcel's restricted configuration could limit market value. Russ and others explained that because of utility restrictions the parcel is unlikely to command a high sale price and that retaining easements preserves city access.
Steve moved to approve the vacation and Jamie seconded. A roll-call vote followed with one 'No' (Sakaida); the chair announced the motion passed.
Staff said vacation approval will lead to preparation of ordinances for council consideration and that easements will remain in place to protect utility access.
