Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Franklin County opens hearing on vacating Butler Terrace but takes no final action
Summary
County staff described trespassing and property damage on a minimum-maintenance stretch of Butler Terrace and property owners requested vacating 2,000 feet of the road; commissioners opened and closed the hearing and recommended obtaining a written easement before any final vacating action.
FRANKLIN COUNTY — The Board of Franklin County Commissioners on Feb. 4 opened a public hearing to consider vacating 2,000 feet of Butler Terrace but did not adopt any final action, instead urging staff and landowners to secure written access agreements.
County staff said three property owners had asked the county to vacate the stretch of Butler Terrace because of repeated vandalism, theft and trespassing. "I've been approached by 3 property owners in that area who are having problems with vandalism, theft, damage to property, trespassing," a county staff member identified in the record as Jeff told the commission.
Jeff described the site as "minimum maintenance beyond the last house" with a steep rock ledge and limited visibility, and said one of the affected parcels is owned by an out-of-state LLC used for hunting. He said landowners proposed installing a gate at the top of the hill that the county would not maintain.
Commissioners raised concerns that vacating the road segment as proposed could landlock at least one parcel. One commissioner recommended caution and asked that landowners produce a recorded easement or similar documentation before final action. "I think it would be wise… an easement be drafted before we do this," a commissioner said, urging staff to consult title or survey professionals and bring the item back once a legal access instrument is in hand.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing; staff said they had received letters from property owners supporting the request. The commission voted to open the hearing, then closed it after the public call and discussed next steps. Commissioners agreed to defer any vacating decision until landowners can provide documentation ensuring continued access to all parcels.
The commission did not vote to vacate Butler Terrace on Feb. 4. The matter may return to a future agenda, possibly as a consent item if an access document or easement is obtained.
