Council authorizes city attorney to draft ordinance to vacate public right‑of‑way near 1600 Dale Avenue

Benton City Council on Feb. 18 authorized the city attorney to draft an ordinance to vacate a 60‑foot‑by‑200‑foot undeveloped public right‑of‑way adjacent to 1600 Dale Avenue, a parcel the staff said has been used by the owner, identified in the record as Mr. Hillman, for vehicle and equipment storage.

City planner George told the council staff reviewed the petition under Benton City Municipal Code chapter 12.10 and found the vacation would not adversely affect traffic circulation or public needs. As part of the proposed action, staff recommended reserving a 20‑foot‑wide easement for potential future utility work, including a public water line; George said Mr. Hillman has agreed to assist with installation costs for the reserved water easement.

Council members discussed whether reserving a utility corridor across the middle of the property could create future complications for either the city or the landowner and whether a neighboring house could inhibit future road extension. George said the ordinance adopted after the hearing would specifically describe what is being vacated and what portion the city reserves for utilities.

No members of the public testified during the hearing. After the public hearing was closed, council moved, seconded and approved the direction to the city attorney to draft the vacation ordinance; council also confirmed the motion included retaining the 20‑foot utility strip for the city and passed on an "all in favor" vote. The attorney will return a draft ordinance to council for final consideration and any required recording with county records.