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Keokuk council approves vacation of platted streets in Hawkeye Addition over access concerns
Summary
The Keokuk City Council voted 6–2 Dec. 4 to vacate multiple platted-but-unimproved streets and alleys in the Hawkeye Addition after debate over access and a broker’s opinion on value. Property owners pressed for easements to avoid landlocking parcels; staff will pursue follow-up in workshop.
Keokuk — The City Council approved a resolution Dec. 4 to vacate a set of platted but unimproved streets and alleys in the Hawkeye Addition, voting six in favor and two opposed after an extended public discussion about access to privately owned lots.
City staff said the planning commission recommended vacating the requested streets and alleys except for a limited set of thoroughfares, and provided a broker’s price opinion of $10,000 for the property. Council members noted the parcels have never been improved and could require significant work to become usable.
Property owners and neighbors urged the council to consider access and easement options before final disposition. Mike Merrittz, who requested an easement during the subsequent workshop, warned the council that denying access could leave parcels landlocked: “If you deny me after the workshop, then what happens? I don’t have any access,” he said.
Another nearby owner described prior informal promises and a history of requests dating back years, telling the council that earlier conversations left uncertainty about legal access routes. City staff and the mayor said they would continue coordination with the property owners and the Elks land-swap paperwork to identify a route that avoids running across the closed landfill cap.
Councilmember discussion touched on price and procedure. One council member attempted an amendment to reduce the broker’s figure to $5,000, but that amendment failed for lack of a second. The council then proceeded to a roll-call vote, which resulted in six votes in favor and two against; the mayor declared the motion passed.
Staff said additional steps are required before individual deeds or easements are finalized: city attorneys and outside consultants will review deed restrictions, monitoring-well locations, and any required Department of Natural Resources or EPA clearances tied to the closed landfill on the property.
The council directed staff to coordinate the land-swap plat work with the Elks, refine easement language and maps, and return with documents so that any easements or transfers are coordinated and avoid crossing the landfill cap where possible.
