Council hears public questions on proposed vacation of right-of-way at West Main and West Rock

Radford City Council opened a public hearing on a request by GAD Management (represented in agenda materials by Gary Duncan) to vacate a section of right-of-way at the corner of West Main Street and West Rock Road.

Regina Meredith submitted a written question asking what purpose the right-of-way serves and what the plan is for the former Moog Aspen building. Residents asked whether the owners are proposing to give that area to the city or whether it would be sold to the property owner. City staff clarified that tonight’s action does not vacate the right-of-way; it advances the process by authorizing appointment of a board of viewers that will evaluate the request and report back to council.

Staff said if the right-of-way is later vacated the city would give up its right to the corridor and the property owner would compensate the locality for purchase; staff also said an $800 nonrefundable fee had been collected to cover staff and appointment costs for the review process.

Council closed the public hearing and will appoint a board of viewers; action on vacating the right-of-way would occur after the board reports back to council.