Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Street Vacation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Silver Lake attorneys reach compromise on partial vacation of South Street; council to review petition March 11
Summary
Attorneys representing adjacent homeowners told the Town of Silver Lake council on Feb. 11 that they have agreed to a partial vacation of an unimproved section of South Street — vacating a house plus 1.5 feet on the south side — and that a petition formalizing the agreement will be filed for the council's March 11 meeting.
Rama Sobhani, attorney for David and Lois Basham, told the Town of Silver Lake council at a Feb. 11 public hearing that attorneys for both sides had reached a compromise to partially vacate an unimproved section of South Street.
"Both attorneys have reached a compromise and would agree to a partial vacation, including the house plus a foot and a half on the south side," Sobhani said, adding that the agreement would leave access to the property behind the house. He said he will submit a petition reflecting the agreed vacation for the March 11 council meeting.
The matter traces to a December 2025 petition from the Bashams requesting vacation of the unimproved way. The transcript notes earlier remonstration by resident Jeff Dotson opposing the vacation; Dotson also compared South Street's width to other narrow streets in town during the discussion recorded by the council.
Council President Medard (Hugh) Murfin addressed a legal question raised in the discussion, saying that "the law changed around 2023; therefore, those who were in that category were grandfathered in," a point he raised to explain how older, narrower rights-of-way have been treated.
No citizens spoke during the continuation of the public hearing on Feb. 11. After the attorneys reported the compromise and discussed relocation of a fence and shed that occupy the public way, Council member Nichole Taylor moved to close the hearing at 7:03 PM. Council member Gloria (Jean) Weller seconded the motion; Murfin called for "all in favor," and the motion carried.
Next steps: Sobhani said he will file the petition for the March 11 meeting so the council can consider a formal ordinance or order for the partial vacation. The Feb. 11 minutes note that the parties also agreed to assess and reach an arrangement to relocate obstacles (a fence and a shed) that currently encroach in the public way.
