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Jacksonville council approves first reading to vacate part of East Oak Street, creates 25-foot public trail easement
Summary
The council conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 02026-003 to vacate a portion of unimproved East Oak Street easterly of South Fifth Street and accept a 25-foot public trail easement; the motion passed unanimously and a second reading is scheduled for April 7, 2026.
Jacksonville City Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 02026-003 on March 17, approving by roll-call vote a proposal to vacate a portion of unimproved East Oak Street east of South Fifth Street and accept a 25-foot public trail easement across the vacated area.
The ordinance was read in full by Council President Andrea Thompson before Councilor Hellenthal moved and Councilor Reed seconded approval of the first reading by title only. The motion carried unanimously with six ayes: Councilors Jorgenson, Gregg, Hellenthal, Casaleggio, Reed and Council President Thompson. A second reading is scheduled for the Council meeting on April 7, 2026.
Planning Director Ian Foster and Administrator Alvis responded to a question from Councilor Gregg about which residence is included in the vacate request; staff provided clarification of the affected parcel and the location of the proposed easement. During public comment, Anette Batzer (appearing by Zoom) expressed gratitude for staff work on the item.
The ordinance vacates a defined portion of an unimproved right-of-way and accepts a 25-foot trail easement intended to secure public pedestrian access across the former roadway. The transcript does not specify any changes to lot ownership or development proposals beyond the vacate and easement language presented for the first reading.
The Council’s action on March 17 was a procedural first reading; the ordinance will return for a second reading and potential enactment on April 7, 2026.
