Benton City Council weighs options to fix encroachments and safety problems on 6th Street

Public works staff Nathan outlined a detailed review of 6th Street, telling the Benton City Council on July 29 that the approved right‑of‑way is 40 feet while the paved width measures roughly 16 feet in places and multiple private fences, mature trees and a storage building encroach 4–6 feet onto city property. “So 440,000 for Central Washington Asphalt for the chip seal projects is the bulk of it,” Nathan said when council reviewed the consent packet, then shifted to show maps and photos of the 6th Street parcels and where fences and trees sit inside the right‑of‑way.

The council heard that one property owner has had a survey done and has expressed interest in subdividing or short‑platting, a change that would trigger curb, gutter and sidewalk design requirements. Nathan said developers must meet city design standards when they submit applications but noted challenges: several structures…