Council sets March 24 hearing on Kitsap County petition to vacate city alleys and streets; compensation includes $30,000 and Veterans Park transfer

The Port Orchard City Council adopted a resolution on Feb. 24 setting a public hearing for March 24 to consider a petition from Kitsap County and adjacent property owners to vacate portions of alleys and streets totaling about 38,641 square feet.

Staff outlined the sections proposed for vacation (multiple alley segments near Taylor, Austin, Smith and Sydney avenues) and said the public works and community development directors supported the vacation because the city has no current or planned needs for the identified right-of-way. The petition includes easements to preserve city-owned utilities in the areas proposed for vacation.

Proposed compensation listed in the staff packet includes a $30,000 payment, transfer of Veterans Park (described in staff remarks as about 48 acres) to the city at a future date and dedicated public parking on Kitsap County's campus for city-sponsored or promoted special events. Staff emphasized that any compensation proposal will be considered only after the public hearing and related council action.

Why it matters: Vacating city right-of-way can change access, maintenance responsibilities and future development options; proposed compensation and large land transfers raise long-term planning considerations.

What's next: Council adopted the resolution to set the hearing date; staff will post required notices and notify adjacent property owners. The hearing will be held at the March 24 council meeting and compensation proposals will be acted on after the hearing.