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Council approves vacating portion of 1600 West; city outlines sidewalk and pedestrian plans
Summary
The Provo City Council approved an ordinance to vacate a remaining strip of right-of-way on 1600 West and deed it to adjacent property owners; city staff said the long-term plan is a 36-foot asphalt section with 6-foot sidewalks and future widening would require property acquisition.
The Provo City Council voted to approve an ordinance vacating a remaining portion of 1600 West and deeding the strip to adjoining property owners, a move city staff said will allow the department to install sidewalks and complete improvements along the corridor.
City planner Megan Jensen told the council the portion to be vacated—roughly 20 feet of previously dedicated right-of-way—can be deeded back because required improvements are complete. She said public works provided a planned cross section of 36 feet of asphalt, a 6-foot sidewalk and a variable mow strip.
During council discussion, Councilor Becky Bogdan pressed staff on whether the 36-foot figure reflects what is in place today. Gordon Lee of Public Works replied that the new cross section will provide 36 feet of asphalt through this segment and added widening further down the corridor will require acquiring adjacent properties. He said installing sidewalks now is the priority to give pedestrians, including children walking to nearby elementary and middle schools, a safe route.
Councilor Jeff Whitlock said he supported returning the unused right-of-way "if we don't have imminent plans to use it," and he praised the proactive effort to add sidewalks for school safety. The chair announced the ordinance passed by a 6'00 vote.
The ordinance directs the city to deed the specified strip back to adjacent owners; city staff indicated the cross section plan and sidewalk work will proceed as property and funding allow.
