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Van Buren supervisors approve vacation of multiple secondary roads after public hearing; Robin Avenue left open
Summary
After a public hearing on Sept. 9, 2024, the Van Buren County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution #09-09-2024A vacating several secondary roads and rights-of-way while leaving a contested portion of Robin Avenue open after residents raised access concerns.
Chairman Dale House and the Van Buren County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution #09-09-2024A on Sept. 9, 2024, ordering the vacation and closure of multiple portions of the county's secondary road system and relinquishing associated easements while leaving a disputed segment of Robin Avenue (Item #10) open after objections from residents.
County Engineer Ryne Thornburg reported the office had received calls and written statements opposing the proposed closure of Robin Avenue, and several people at the hearing voiced similar concerns about access to parcels along that road. Thornburg said he had also discussed modifications to the proposed Willow Avenue vacation (Item #5) with adjacent property owners and recommended shortening the vacated portion before final adoption.
Following public comment, Supervisor Meek moved and Supervisor Richards seconded a motion to close the hearing and adopt the resolution. The board approved the action by roll call vote: House—Aye; Meek—Aye; Richards—Aye. The resolution vacates Items #1–4, #6–9 and #11 as described in the resolution text; it modifies Item #5 (Willow Avenue) to shorten the vacated portion to approximately 400 feet; and it leaves Item #10 (Robin Avenue) open and not vacated due to the objections received.
The result means landowners along the vacated segments will have those county easements relinquished as recorded in the resolution; the board directed that the modified description for Willow Avenue be recorded with the county recorder. The board did not adopt changes to Robin Avenue and signaled that access concerns raised by residents will be considered further before any additional action.
The hearing record shows the decision was procedural and administrative: the board resolved the set of vacations and recorded the exception for Robin Avenue. The county engineer noted he will continue coordination with affected landowners and make any technical revisions needed to legal descriptions before filings are completed.
The board's action on the vacations was the meeting's most contested item; residents opposing the Robin Avenue closure succeeded in keeping that particular segment open pending further consideration.
