Commission adopts ordinance to vacate undeveloped portion of Otelie (Hotel) Rose Street, keeps utility easement

The Oregon City Commission adopted proposed Ordinance No. 01‑1027 to vacate an undeveloped portion of Otelie (listed in the record as Hotel) Rose Street between Front Avenue and Frederick Street, while maintaining a utility easement across the full right of way.

City staff told the commission the street vacation is the second step in a two‑step process (a resolution initiating the vacation had been adopted previously) and that the applicant had obtained signatures of all adjacent and nearby residents. "As you some of you may be aware or not, vacation of a street is a two‑step process... this is the second part, which is an ordinance," staff said in the public record.

Staff advised the commission that a water line already runs through the right of way and recommended retaining a utility easement rather than attempting to parcel out separate easements for each facility. Commissioners asked whether vacating the right of way would create situations where buildings appear to be in the former city right of way; the city attorney advised there is no adverse possession against the city and staff said current plan review checks are being used to prevent improper construction in rights of way.

The public hearing was opened; no members of the public spoke for or against the vacation. A commissioner moved to approve proposed Ordinance No. 01‑1027; the motion was seconded and the commission took roll call. The recorded minutes show the motion carried and the ordinance was adopted.

Staff said retaining the utility easement would preserve access to the existing water main and hydrant connections and that the vacation would allow the applicants to create a legally sized lot.