Horace rail‑corridor plat update: 32 adjoining landowners have expressed interest; planning hearing set for Aug. 25

Eric briefed the committee on the Horace railroad corridor (segment OAN 7234, parts B, C and D), a stretch previously declared excess by the committee and board. He said staff approached the City of Horace and neighboring landowners; roughly 32 adjoining owners signed non‑binding letters indicating interest in buying portions of the corridor, and staff have worked with Horace planning staff on a plat to subdivide the corridor into multiple lots for sale.

Eric said city staff have requested a drainage preservation easement along corridor edges to protect existing drainage patterns and avoid grade changes that could affect neighboring lots. Some landowners have expressed concern about that requested easement; Eric said the landowners were invited to speak at the Horace planning and zoning meeting on August 25, where the plat will be presented. He said the plat may be adjusted after that meeting before final consideration by the Horace City Council.

Why it matters: subdividing and selling portions of a rail corridor affects lot sizes, drainage responsibilities and future private development along the corridor. The requested drainage preservation easement could limit grading actions by future owners; Eric noted coordination between staff, the city, and property owners has been ongoing. Committee members received the update and did not take a formal committee vote on the plat at this meeting.

The next procedural step is the Horace Planning and Zoning review on Aug. 25, followed by possible City Council action; staff said they expect purchase agreements and deposits after final plat approval.