Council moves to begin process to vacate sidewalks near Spring Grove Pop Factory over safety concerns

Bob Hansen, owner of the Spring Grove Pop Factory, told the council that snow and ice falling from the roof create hazardous conditions on the south-side sidewalk and that garage doors on the east side put pedestrians at risk when trucks enter and exit the property. Hansen said sidewalks in both directions terminate at his property line and do not connect to other sidewalks, and asked the city to vacate both sidewalks so he could post signage and limit access when conditions are unsafe.

Council Member Turner moved to take the necessary steps to vacate the south and east sidewalks adjacent to the Pop Factory; the motion was seconded and carried. Administrator Jana Elton will research the legal and procedural steps for a sidewalk vacation and report back to the council.

The action authorized staff to study and begin the legal process; no final vacation was approved at the meeting. The council’s next step will be to receive findings from the administrator and consider any required notices, public hearings, and easement implications.