Council holds first reading, public hearing on alley vacation near 807 5th Street

Councilwoman Huffman read into the record an ordinance for first reading and a public hearing proposing to vacate a portion of alley adjacent to 807 5th Street, in the block between H and I Streets. The ordinance, filed by petitioners Richard Knoll and Linda Knoll and recommended favorably by the traffic commission, states that the vacation would not adversely affect neighboring property owners or public access and would retain utility easements for NIPSCO and the city.

Huffman said the petitioners had followed required procedures and that notice of the hearing was published in the local paper at least 10 days before the hearing. She read the ordinance’s findings, including that the vacation "will not hinder the growth or development of the city of La Porte" and that it is "in the best interest of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of La Porte." The council opened the public hearing and, hearing no speakers, closed it and agreed to consider the ordinance again at the Aug. 3 meeting for further action.

The ordinance text described required steps if adopted: recording with the La Porte County recorder and presenting the ordinance to the county auditor, and preserving existing and any new utility easements. No objections were raised during the public comment period at this meeting.

Next steps: the council moved the matter to the Aug. 3 agenda for further consideration and possible final action.