Commission OKs first reading to vacate 4th/5th and legalize part of 3rd Avenue

The commission opened public hearings on two related street actions and moved both ordinances forward on first reading by title only. Interim planning director Scott Fragonesi explained the vacation of 4th and 5th would allow adjacent property owners to receive half of the vacated right-of-way and enable a lot-line adjustment needed for development.

"If you choose to approve these ordinances, we'd be vacating forth, that portion," Fragonesi said, describing how vacations and a subsequent lot‑line adjustment will allow property owners to assemble legal lots for development. Staff fielded a neutral question from a neighbor about what the existing easement classification was; the planner explained that the process would leave the public record open for at least 30 days and that a second hearing and second reading will be scheduled before final action.

For the 3rd Avenue legalization, staff noted a 50‑foot right‑of‑way would be established and that property owners with existing encroachments may need to move items if the legalization requires it. No speakers opposed either ordinance at the hearings. Both first readings passed by unanimous voice votes; the commission will consider second readings after the public‑comment period closes.