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Planning board backs vacating alley at University shopping center with conditions
Summary
The board approved vacating a 45‑ft by ~125‑ft public alley at the University shopping center (Mariposa/Madruga/US‑1) and recommended two conditions tying the vacation to an approved site plan and requiring construction to begin within two years or the vacation becomes null and void.
The Planning & Zoning Board on Feb. 11 voted to recommend approval of an alley vacation at the property commonly known as the University shopping center, subject to two conditions that staff said would protect public interests.
Applicant attorney Laura Russo told the board the alley was a remnant of a 1950 replat and now lies within the shopping center’s parking area and drive aisle. "We are here this evening requesting to vacate the alley that is 45 feet wide by a 125 feet deep," Russo said, explaining the alley has not been used by the city and the request cleans up the property title.
Staff recommended approval with two conditions: link the alley vacation to a site plan that must be approved by the City Commission, and require that construction of the permitted project begin within two years of site‑plan approval — otherwise the vacation would revert. Staff stated the parcel includes the alley in its legal description and pays taxes on the land.
Board members asked whether taxes had been paid on the alley area and were told the parcel’s legal description includes that portion of the property and taxes are paid. After brief discussion the board moved to approve staff’s recommendation and recorded a roll call in which present members voted yes.
What happens next: the board’s recommendation goes to the City Commission for a formal decision; if the commission approves the vacation consistent with the board’s conditions, the applicant must secure a site plan and begin construction within the required two‑year timeframe or the vacation will lapse.
