Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Alley Vacation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Alley‑vacation petition continued after access concerns; petitioner asked to provide signed map or appear Feb. 4
Summary
Kosciusko County planners continued a petition to vacate several alleys and consolidate fragmented lots after concerns that a driveway within a railroad right‑of‑way could be lost and the petitioner was not present; the board required a signed revised drawing or in‑person representation and set a continuation for Feb. 4.
Kosciusko County planning members continued consideration of a petition to vacate multiple alleyways and consolidate several small parcels after receiving testimony that the existing driveway serving one property lies within a railroad right‑of‑way and could be required to be removed.
Tina, representing John Kimball and Associates Land Survey, explained the petitioner’s goal was to “vacation the alleyways and just make it 1 parcel” and said the owner is willing to preserve the south alley so rear lots would retain potential access. Staff relayed a highway department concern that the railroad could demand removal of the driveway on its right‑of‑way, which would leave the property dependent on alternate access via Van Ness Road or the south alley.
Board members agreed they lacked sufficient assurance from the petitioner, who was not present. One member said they would accept a revised drawing, signed by the petitioner, that excludes the southern 30‑foot alley from the vacation; others favored continuing so the petitioner or an authorized agent could appear. A motion to continue the vacation request with the stipulation that the petitioner appear in person or provide signed paperwork passed by voice vote. The hearing was continued to Feb. 4 at 1:00 PM at the same location.
The board characterized the requested map change as an effort to "clean up" fragmented parcels, but emphasized access and potential landlocking as the primary considerations. Staff advised that a 30‑foot right‑of‑way would not meet the county’s 50‑foot requirement to qualify as a county‑maintained road and would remain a private drive unless additional right‑of‑way were dedicated.
Next steps: the petitioner must either appear or supply a signed, revised survey drawing showing the portion to be excluded. The board will take up the continued petition at the Feb. 4 meeting.
