Resident asks council to vacate North Avenue right-of-way; council takes no action

Philip Demunck, a Lofton Avenue resident, asked the Chisago City Council on Dec. 9 to consider vacating the remaining 30 feet of right-of-way on North Avenue, saying all adjacent property owners support the request and that proposed trail plans and environmental conditions have changed since the right-of-way was retained in 1999.

Demunck told the council that alternative trail routes now exist or are planned — including along Highway 8, Liberty Lane and near school property — and raised concerns about wetlands, high water levels, proximity to residences, snowmobile traffic and the high cost of constructing a trail at the location. He said returning the land to private ownership would put the parcels back on the tax rolls.

City Administrator John Pechman said staff had not received a formal vacation application and explained that any property vacation would require an application, fee, public hearing and legal review. The discussion was a preliminary presentation to gauge council interest; no formal action or motion to initiate the vacation process was recorded in the minutes.

Council members thanked Demunck for the information and indicated the matter could be revisited if a formal application is submitted.