Council approves vacating part of Cross Street for school expansion, with conditions and cost responsibilities

City Planner James Sisk (speaker 15) and Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent Aaron Corman (speaker 5) told the council the district seeks to vacate roughly 275 feet of Cross Street between Arthur and Nikki Streets to permit an addition and a FEMA-rated storm shelter at Eugene Field Elementary.

Sisk explained planning-and-utilities concerns, including three-phase overhead power lines affecting the site and a sewer main that runs under the street. "We prepared options," Sisk said, noting staff recommended slip-lining the existing sewer and preserving an easement so the city retains access. He said the school board indicated the district would pay the costs associated with lining the sewer and relocating impacted power lines.

Corman outlined school needs and constraints: Lake Road school is reaching end-of-life, sits in a flood plain and is not FEMA-eligible, and the district is looking to add classrooms at Eugene Field plus a FEMA-rated shelter. "By allowing the district to have the vacation of this street, we can look to add classrooms that go across Cross Street," Corman said.

The council heard concerns from the fire chief and members about emergency response times if Cross Street were closed. Sisk and others noted alternative access routes exist (Marshall Street and others) and that the planning recommendation included conditions: Cross Street will remain open to public use until planning and funding are complete; no permanent structure may be built over the existing utility easement unless approved in writing by the city and municipal utilities; the vacation will not be finalized until agreements, easements and documentation are properly executed and recorded.

A motion to approve the vacation with those stipulations was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.