2015-57 VACATING PUBLIC ALLEY RIGHT-OF-WAY North Water and Main

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Excerpts from Plan Commission Meeting of October 1, 2015: Cal. No. 15-40 Petition of HARVEST CHRISTIAN CENTER to vacate the Alley right-of-way located between the 2100 Blocks of North Water Street and North Main Street. Ms. Suzy Stickle was sworn in by Mrs. Janet Poland. Ms. Stickle presented the recommendation of staff: The petitioner is requesting to vacate the north 160 feet of the 20 foot alleyway between the 2100 Blocks of North Water and North Main Streets totaling 3,200 square feet. The vacation will enable the petitioner to control the improved alley and utilize the area as part of their property. It would allow the petitioner to construct a parking lot for their church on property they own across the alley and along North Main Street. The petitioner owns property on both sides of the alleyway to be vacated. The adjacent property owner was notified of the vacation and no objection was expressed. All other property owners adjacent to the alleyway were notified as well as the garbage hauler as to the request to vacate, no objections were expressed. Letters were sent to Ameren, Comcast Communications, and AT&T notifying the utility companies of the vacation request and no objections to the proposed alleyway vacation were expressed. The alleyway must be maintained in a condition consistent with the remainder of the alleyway to the south. A blanket easement will be maintained far utilities as well as ingress/egress for the general public. An appraisal was conducted on the 3,200 square foot alleyway. The proposed vacated alleyway has an estimated market value of$800.00 which will be paid to the City. A second appraisal is not required. The formal vacation of this alleyway does not appear that it will have an adverse effect on the general public. Staff recommends approval of the alleyway vacation with the following conditions: 1. A blanket easement for the vacated alleyway shall be maintained for utilities and ingress/egress for the general public. 2. The alleyway must be maintained in a condition consistent with the remainder of the alleyway to the south. The Administrative Policy of the City of Decatur requires that property vacation requests be submitted to the Plan Commission for a public hearing. Although a Plan Commission recommendation is not required, a motion to forward the vacation request of Calendar Number 15-40 to the City Council with a recommendation for approval is suggested. Mr. Kirk Henneberry, representative, was sworn in by Mrs. Poland. Mr. Henneberry stated the church is looking forward to getting a parking lot and said he would be willing to answer any questions. There were no questions and no objectors present. It was moved and seconded (Sotiroff/Peck) to forward Calendar No. 15-40 to the City Council with a recommendation for approval. Motion carried unanimously.