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Commission approves 10-foot ROW abandonment on Baylor Avenue after owner cites garage encroachment
Summary
The commission voted 9–0 to forward to City Council a request to abandon 10 feet of Baylor Avenue right-of-way covering a garage that encroaches 6.06 feet; a neighbor opposed the abandonment while the owner said the fence was to deter people using his field and the garage predates the present ROW.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward to City Council a request to abandon a 10-foot portion of Baylor Avenue right-of-way, a change prompted by an existing garage at 1631 Baylor Avenue that encroaches 6.06 feet into the ROW.
Development Director Steve Neilson explained staff's recommendation to abandon the 10 feet because the proposed abandonment lies outside the existing travelway and would not affect access to adjoining lots. Neighbor Larry Angela spoke against the abandonment. Property owner James Ramsey described why he had fenced the field and defended the history of the garage, saying the fence had been installed because "people were driving into his field to cut through to Bible Insurance, Dollar General, and E Andrew Johnson Hwy and also to 'do donuts and other unwholesome acts' in his field." Ramsey added the fence has since been taken down. Commissioner John Wallace emphasized that the garage itself — not the fence — was the core issue.
Councilmember Robert (Bob) Garrett moved to approve forwarding the right-of-way closure; the commission approved the motion by a 9–0 vote. The item will next be considered by City Council; staff noted the garage remains an existing nonconforming structure under current setback rules.
