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Council approves first reading to vacate easement between Catherine Cottages and Radio Road
Summary
After neighborhood testimony split on safety versus connectivity, the Ellensburg City Council approved first reading of Ordinance 4994 to vacate a five-foot easement between Catherine Cottages and Radio Road, with council asking staff to evaluate safer crossing options.
Ellensburg’s City Council on Aug. 3 approved the first reading of Ordinance 4994 to vacate a five-foot city easement between the Catherine Cottages affordable housing site and Radio Road, concluding an open-record public hearing that drew neighbors’ testimony on safety and maintenance.
Neighbors opposing the vacation said the narrow path has been poorly maintained and poses safety and liability concerns. Dale McPherson, who lives at 1306 Radio Road, said the city erected the path decades ago but has left it uneven and unmaintained, noting ongoing erosion and damage to his fence. "Why have we had to spend our money and time to maintain a city property?" he asked, urging the council to return the strip to adjacent owners rather than transfer the easement to Habitat for Humanity.
Supporters of vacating the easement said the five-foot width is inadequate to meet current design standards and highlighted alternatives. Stephen Greenfield of Viewpoint Road said planners and neighbors have identified alternate sidewalk routes tied to existing or planned gateway projects that would provide safer pedestrian access without relying on the narrow easement. "We want you to know that the neighbors ... genuinely want to welcome our new neighbors," Greenfield said.
City Attorney Chris Horner told the council the action is a vacation of an easement created by plat and not a transfer of property title; staff noted extensive public notice had been provided. During deliberation council members thanked neighbors for engagement and asked public works to evaluate crossing treatments — for example, flashing lights at Bridal Road — and to consider the disposition of a fence the city previously placed.
The council moved, seconded, and approved the first reading of Ordinance 4994 with no additional conditions; the motion passed on a voice vote. A final decision would follow later readings and any additional process required by code.
