Council adopts ordinance vacating portion of Milton Avenue right of way at Artina Lane

Gig Harbor City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 15‑61 on May 26 to vacate a portion of the Milton Avenue right of way adjacent to 3613 Artina Lane under the state nonuser statute.

Public works director Jeff Langham presented the staff report, explaining the nonuser statute process and the legal effect: a right‑of‑way area not used by the city for roadway purposes may be returned to adjacent property owners following a request, payment of processing fees, and payment for a land survey. Langham said the property owner provided the required survey and requested vacation of the portion south of the hammerhead turnaround; the city will retain the hammerhead turnaround area needed for roadway operations.

Langham described the area: “If you look at the legal description, it actually describes this. Lots, 26, 27, and 28 of Block 10,” and pointed out the hatched area on the map as the portion requested for vacation. In response to council questions, staff said the piecemeal nature of prior vacations resulted from property‑owner requests and that a small portion of the parcel lies within the Shoreline Master Program area; staff also said the vacation is not currently being considered as mitigation for other capital projects.

The mayor opened the public hearing and reported no members of the public wished to speak. Council member Martin moved to adopt the ordinance and Council member Ekberg seconded; the ordinance passed on a 7–0 vote.

The ordinance will be processed in accordance with municipal code and state law; the owner is responsible for processing fees and the cost of the land survey required by the nonuser statute.