Commissioners approve ordinance to vacate 60-foot future roadway in Deer View Estates

Starke County commissioners voted on June 3 to approve an ordinance vacating a 60-foot future roadway in the Deer View Estates subdivision, allowing the land to be returned to the petitioner’s lot subject to recording procedures.

The petitioner, Michael, told the board he had reserved the 60-foot strip for a potential future roadway when he developed the subdivision about 20 years ago but recently learned the land was recorded in the county’s name. “It was my property and it was just in case I ever developed any more property,” he said, asking that the county return the strip to one of his lots.

County staff told commissioners the petitioner’s claim and petition were included as Exhibit A in the ordinance package and explained the typical next steps: the board approves the ordinance and assigns it a number, the instrument is recorded in the county court office, and the petitioner then works with the auditor’s office to have the parcel put back in his name. Staff also noted a stipulation in the ordinance that petitioners are responsible for any required survey, if the auditor’s office requires one.

After closing the public hearing, Commissioner Donnie moved to approve the ordinance and Commissioner Charlie seconded; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff asked the petitioner to follow up with the auditor to complete the recording process.

The ordinance and petition were referenced during the hearing; the record did not include a roll-call tally. The petitioner, staff and commissioners indicated the typical administrative steps that follow approval, including assignment of an ordinance number and recording in the court office. The county clerk or auditor will advise the petitioner on the precise recording steps.