Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves vacation of paper Belknap Road with pedestrian easement preserved
Summary
Following a public hearing and staff recommendation, the council approved an ordinance vacating unimproved segments of Belknap Road to enable a commercial subdivision, while preserving a 10‑foot pedestrian access easement and public utility easement required by the transportation system plan.
After a staff report and public hearing the Medford City Council on Oct. 15 approved an ordinance vacating the unimproved (paper) Belknap Road right‑of‑way between Garfield Street and Center Drive to enable a commercial subdivision and facilitate pending property transactions.
Planning staff explained the vacation covers under one acre of right‑of‑way and noted the transportation system plan requires a shared‑use pedestrian path that crosses the area. The ordinance includes provisions reserving a 10‑foot pedestrian access easement and public utilities easement so the pedestrian connection and utility corridors are preserved for future use.
The planning commission had recommended approval after the commission reviewed public improvements and found required criteria satisfied under the land development code and ORS guidance for right‑of‑way vacations. The applicant’s representative described progress on public improvement plans and said curb, storm and paving work is nearing completion so final platting can proceed once the right‑of‑way is vacated.
The council’s roll call showed the ordinance passed with seven yes votes on the formal roll (one councilor had earlier declared a potential conflict and abstained from the prior portion of the hearing). Staff will record the pedestrian and utility easements and proceed with conditions needed to finalize the subdivision plat.
