County accepts petition to vacate Bridge No. 163, schedules June 16 public hearing

The county attorney told the Board of Commissioners that a formal petition has been filed seeking vacation of Bridge No. 163 and the associated portion of West 1100 South. The petition, the attorney said, was filed pursuant to Indiana Code 36‑7‑3‑12 and argues the public way has fallen into disrepair, imposes an ongoing fiscal burden, poses safety risks and serves minimal through traffic.

"Circumstances giving rise to the petition are the public way has fallen into a state of disrepair, is no longer of sufficient public utility, imposes an ongoing financial burden and potential safety risk to the county and the public," the county attorney said when presenting the petition.

Commissioners voted to accept the petition and set a public hearing; the attorney explained statutory notice requirements, including publishing notice and sending certified‑mail letters to abutting landowners. The attorney identified two abutting property interests requiring notice: Red Gold and a trust that owns farmland near the bridge. He recommended scheduling the hearing at least 10 days after publication; the board set a hearing for June 16 at 10:00 a.m.

The attorney noted that, after the hearing, the board may adopt an ordinance vacating the public way if statutory conditions are met. Abutting landowners will have the opportunity to raise objections at the hearing; the petition references an analysis concluding repair costs outweigh the route’s public utility.

Next steps: the county auditor and attorney will publish required notice and send certified mail to abutting owners; the board will hear public comments at the June 16 hearing before determining whether to adopt an ordinance vacating the way.