Commission backs vacation of unused Winona Beach promenade to send recommendation to commissioners

The commission recommended the vacation of a platted promenade/right‑of‑way in the Winona Beach subdivision after hearing from petitioner representative Steve Snyder, who said the promenade has been unimproved for years and no longer serves the public purpose envisioned when the plat was recorded.

Snyder told the commission the promenade was designed for a beach promenade that no longer exists and is currently maintained only by adjacent property owners; he argued that vacating the strip would allow redevelopment of undersized lots and return acreage to the tax rolls. Commissioners asked about wetlands, sewer proximity and emergency access; staff said sewer is roughly 400–500 feet to the north and that soils might require a mound septic if development occurs.

Members discussed whether the strip provides meaningful public access to the lake, with the petitioner and at least one commissioner arguing it does not, while others cautioned that vacating rights of way removes a public option permanently. After discussion the commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the county commissioners for their July 21 meeting.