Council approves first reading to vacate lot lines for new downtown library, schedules second reading
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Summary
Council held a quasi-judicial hearing and approved first reading of an ordinance that would vacate platted lot lines on a downtown block to create a single parcel for the library district—s proposed main branch; public commenters supported the library but at least one councilor voted no and the matter will return for a second reading.
The Grants Pass City Council opened a public hearing and approved first reading of an ordinance to vacate common property lines among tax lots (map 36-0-05-18-DD) in downtown Grants Pass to enable the library district to consolidate multiple platted lots for a proposed new main library.
Bradley Clark of community development explained the application covers the block between J and K Streets (6th and 7th Streets) where the library district has acquired property and proposes a new main branch with plaza space and approximately 45 parking spaces accessed from 7th Street. Staff reported there were 12 underlying platted lots beneath four tax parcels and recommended vacating the internal lot lines to create a single building parcel; staff said the vacation meets the city—s criteria and that no public comments were received on mailed notices.
During council questions staff clarified that some existing businesses (including River City Grill) occupy the parcels and that property tax flows depend on use (private businesses remain on the tax rolls; tax-exempt status would depend on ownership/use). Councilors asked whether urban renewal money could be used to mitigate displacement; staff said there is no URA application for the project at present but state urban renewal statutes include displacement-mitigation provisions if URA funds are later proposed.
During the public-comment portion Bridal Brown and Rebecca Weber spoke in favor of the library and described the facility as a long-term community asset that attracts families downtown. Councilor Indra moved to approve first reading of the ordinance vacating lot lines for tax lots 100, 300, 400 and 500 on map 36-0-05-18-DD; a second was recorded. The motion received recorded support but at least one dissenting vote was noted, so the ordinance was read by title only and will be placed on a future business meeting for a second reading.
The action before the council was a first reading; the ordinance will require a subsequent reading before it is adopted.
