2013-74 VACATING PUBLIC WALKWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY - SOUTHMORELAND PLACE

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HLC Project No. 5924 July 2, 2013 Justification for Vacation Request Southmoreland Place The Petitioners of this Petition are the owners of the property a jacent to the existing ten (10) foot wide public right of way. This public right of way was dedicated as a part of the subdivision platting process and a four foot wide sidewalk was constructed which provided a public sidewalk connection from Road 2 in Southmo eland Place to Lake Shore Drive and Lost Bridge Road. In addition to the Petitioners, the Southmoreland Place Homeowners Association is in favor of the requested vacation of the right of way and sidewalk. The Petitioners have been subject to several burglaries in the last few years as well as their property being damaged by vandals. The open sidewalk access has provided an easy escape from the area which has made their properti s an easy target. In addition to the Petitioners being subject to repeated issues, the entire Southmoreland Place has been subject to similar incidents. The Southmoreland Homeowners Association put up a fence wi h a gate which was locked with a combination lock at the east end of the sidewalk in n effort to stop intruders from entering or leaving the subdivision. A complaint was filed with the City about the closure of a public sidewalk, the City advised the Homeowners Association that they would have to remove the gate as it is a public right of way and cannot be obstructed. The only way that the sidewalk can be gated is if it is a private w Ikway, therefore, I am filing this Petition on behalf of not only the Petitioners but also the Southmoreland Place Homeowners Association. The ability to close the sidewalk to the public is a safety and welfare concern to the entire Southmoreland Place residential neighborhood. This closure will not create an issue for the general public as there are many sidewalks in the neighboring areas.