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Huntsville Council debates town‑wide survey as residents’ access concerns surface
Summary
Council and Planning Commissioners debated whether to conduct a town‑wide survey to resolve alley easement questions, weighing fairness, cost and litigation risk against targeted, case‑by‑case remediation.
Council members and Planning Commissioners split over how to proceed after a presentation that identified multiple blocked alleyways. PC Alternate John Henderson said a blanket survey would demonstrate the town was treating all property owners the same; Henderson argued a town‑wide notice would reduce claims of arbitrary treatment. Jeff Larsen cautioned staff not to remove trees until property lines are surveyed and emphasized broad public notice before taking action.
Others favored a more targeted approach. PC Member Steve Songer and PC Member Liz Poulter said the town could prioritize obvious problem areas rather than surveying every parcel immediately. TCM Artie Powell and TCM Bruce Ahlstrom warned that ordering property owners to remove fences or structures could invite lawsuits and recommended the town obtain cost estimates and legal guidance before proceeding. Mayor Sorensen asked staff to research survey costs and recommended that a plan be returned for Council consideration at the next meeting.
