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Sunnyside council approves vacation of West Edison right‑of‑way over safety, notice concerns
Summary
The Sunnyside City Council approved an ordinance vacating a dead‑end right‑of‑way on West Edison Avenue to allow a developer’s apartment project to proceed, after deliberations about emergency vehicle access, encroaching homes and whether renters on adjacent properties had received adequate notice.
The Sunnyside City Council voted Dec. 8 to vacate a portion of unimproved right‑of‑way on West Edison Avenue, clearing the way for a residential development proposed by Blue Mountain Ventures.
City staff told the council the parcel is a dead end that will no longer be needed for through traffic and that the city will retain easements for water, sewer and utilities. City Manager and public‑works staff said a recent land survey confirmed a 50‑foot right‑of‑way, although the visible roadway appears narrower in places where adjacent homes encroach on the right‑of‑way.
Deputy Mayor and councilors pressed staff on public‑safety implications. Fire Chief said code requires a minimum 20‑foot apparatus width and explained additional clearance is needed if a ladder truck must deploy outriggers. Councilors asked whether the developer’s planned access would allow fire apparatus and whether the homes that encroach on the right‑of‑way had been notified.
Developer Miguel Orozco, who said he and his wife own the property, told the council they had posted fencing, secured the site and planned dedicated parking for the new units. “The fence was put up maybe about five months ago. It’s gated, so nobody could enter,” Orozco said, adding the apartments will provide two parking spaces per unit and that the developer had spoken with current property owners.
Council members said they wanted confirmation residents — including renters — had received mailed notice and offered to require safety‑related changes in the developer’s engineering plans. One councilor asked staff to re‑contact the two property owners who appear to encroach to confirm they understand the proposal.
On the vote, six members voted yes and one voted no; the motion passed. Deputy Mayor cast the lone no vote, citing concerns the current access looked “too narrow” for emergency operations. Council and staff said improvements and design conditions could be required as part of future permit review.
