Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Right Of Way topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council pauses action on license for right‑of‑way access to landlocked parcel; residents raise safety and maintenance concerns
Summary
A request by William Wade Shipley for a 30‑ft by 1,320‑ft license across city right‑of‑way drew multiple resident objections about property values, maintenance, road surface and safety. Council entered executive session for legal advice and, after returning, took no motion and asked staff to draft an access agreement for further review.
Council discussed a request for a licensing agreement to allow use of a 30‑foot‑by‑1,320‑foot portion of city right‑of‑way to provide access to a landlocked parcel west of 2515 Orr Road. Development services director Joe Hilburn said the right‑of‑way had been dedicated for a planned Forest Grove Road extension that was later removed from the thoroughfare plan and that a license agreement could specify materials, screening and maintenance responsibilities.
Several nearby residents spoke in opposition, citing maintenance they already perform on the strip behind their lots and concern that a new access road would reduce property values and present safety issues for children. Applicant representative Chris Blackman said he had tried to find alternatives and that the owner needs access for the property to have market value: "I am representing the owner, mister Shipley, and I feel like I'm the bad guy here, but I really don't wanna be." The council convened an executive session to seek legal advice and, after the closed session, directed staff to work with the applicant and the city attorney on a proposed access agreement and brought no motion that night.
