Commission recommends council approve vacating undeveloped alley while preserving sewer easement

The Mount Vernon Municipal Planning Commission voted unanimously April 9 to recommend that city council vacate an undeveloped alley between two parcels, while expressly preserving a sanitary sewer easement that runs through the alley.

Jeremy Abrams, representing Julius Joe Schwarz and Sher Anne Schwarz, said the petitioners own the adjacent parcels and seek to build a fence to provide a secure area for their dogs. "Their sole intention is to build a fence for their dogs," Abrams said, adding that the owners do not intend to obstruct the existing easement and understand the city must retain access to the sewer mainline.

Staff reported no written communications in opposition; one mailed notification to an adjoining property was returned undeliverable but staff noted that the party had signed the petition. City engineering staff said the sewer main runs north–south through the alley and that access would remain possible; legal staff confirmed the existing easement will be retained. Engineering described the alley as currently unmaintained and not necessary for future development.

After hearing from staff and the applicant's representative, the commission moved and seconded a recommendation that city council approve the alley vacation. A roll-call vote recorded five yes votes from the commissioners and the commission directed staff to forward the recommendation to council for final action.

The recommendation will be transmitted to city council; staff indicated scheduling depends on normal council docket deadlines.