St. Joseph planning commission recommends vacations of streets and easements, approves street-name consistency; resident objects to eminent-domain plan

The St. Joseph Planning Commission on an administrative vote recommended city council approve multiple street and easement vacations and a street-name change, and heard a public objection from a property owner who said the city had issued notice of an eminent‑domain interest in her historic farm.

The commission unanimously recommended approval of a street vacation for a portion of the 2400 block of Second Street between Walnut and Oak to allow the city to connect adjacent city-owned properties and fence the area to prevent vandalism. Brandon Canoy of Public Works presented the item and told commissioners, “we are recommending approval.” The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all recorded members answering “yes.”

The body also recommended approval of a right‑of‑way/utility easement vacation at 4215 Commonwealth Court, requested by Joe McLaughlin on behalf of Tyler Reed, and a set of related utility‑easement vacations for multiple…