Commissioners approve vacating small right-of-way near Tri Lakes

Whitley County commissioners voted April 6 to approve Ordinance 2026-03 that vacates a small portion of public right-of-way adjacent to property owned by John and Emily West near Tri Lakes.

Matt Shipman, speaking on behalf of the Wests, told the board the parcel mirrors other small triangular parcels in the neighborhood that were vacated by commissioners in 2007. "Pictures are worth 1,000 words," Shipman said, and argued the parcel functions as a no-man's land that does not block access to any church, school or other public facility. He said adjacent property owners received the required certified-mail notices and he had not received any remonstrations.

County Engineer Brad Allen told the board he had discussed the parcel with Ryan Guest, the highway director, and that the county is not using that section of right-of-way. "It wouldn't cause any hindrance to highway operations," Allen said, adding that existing utilities will remain within the portion that remains right-of-way.

A commissioner moved to approve the ordinance; another commissioner seconded the motion and the chair announced it carried. The petitioners and staff said they will wait for a signed copy of the ordinance for filing and implementation.

The ordinance transfers title of the vacated parcel to the petitioners and, according to the petitioner, will return that small area to the property tax rolls over time. The board did not receive any public opposition during the hearing.

The county will complete ministerial follow-up once the signed ordinance is returned to county staff.