Lumberport council votes not to abandon alley dividing Rinehart and Bennett parcels

At a Sept. 17, 2024 special meeting, the Town of Lumberport council voted to deny a petition to abandon an alleyway that petitioners said separates parcels owned by George and Terry Rinehart and David and Patricia Bennett.

The petitioners presented written materials and GIS exhibits arguing the alley has not been a throughway or been maintained during the Rineharts' more than 50 years of family ownership and that the alley's existence renders their parcels non-contiguous and harder to sell. The petition was drafted by real estate agent Jennifer Newman and includes signed and notarized forms from the affected property owners.

During discussion, Council member Tom Exline asked petitioner George Rinehart about conditions on the alley and stated, "the town cannot sell property." Council member Richard Desist suggested an alternative, saying to "just give the property to the Rinehart." The council debated options but did not adopt the petition.

Council member Tom Exline moved "to NOT abandon the alleyway," and Judy Cleavenger seconded the motion. Council member Michael Stire recorded an abstention; the minutes state "Motion carried." The minutes do not record individual yes/no votes for other members.

The meeting record notes photographs and the petition signatures were attached to the file. The council made a motion to adjourn later in the meeting; the record lists Michael Stire as the mover and Richard Desist as the seconder, and Shannon Lopez is listed as Town Recorder in the minutes.

No further steps or a formal referral for study were recorded in the minutes.