2003-57 VACATING RIGHT OF WAY - A PORTION OF NORTH MORGAN STREET

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ECONOMIC AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MEMORANDUM No. 03-92 September 10,2003 TO: Honorable Mayor Paul Osborne and City Council Members FROM: Steve Garm ity Manager A. J. Krie , sistant City Manager Dane C. Brag , AICP,Planning and c mic Development Manager� Kathy J. Miller, AICP, Senior Planner I��Mh--- SUBJECT: Vacation of a portion of the North Morgan Street Right-of-way SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the vacation of the street right of way as proposed by the petitioner. The public right of way does not appear necessary to serve the general public. Staff is of the opinion that the best interests of the City of Decatur would be served by approving the vacation request. The Plan Commission reviewed the request at the September 4, 2003 meeting and recommended approval with a vote of 7 to 0. Plan Commission minutes are attached. BACKGROUND: Wallace owns all the property adjacent to the right of way. In 1986, the southern portion of North Morgan Street in this location was vacated, as well as a portion of East North Street. An easement was reserved for utility access. An appraisal was submitted by the petitioner with an estimated market value of$8,000 ($1.25 per square foot). Recently, legislation was enacted that changed the procedure for commercial property appraisals. A specific license is required for commercial appraisal. Currently, Kent Fitzjarrald is the only appraiser in Decatur j with a commercial appraisal license. A second appraisal will not be required at this time. ! POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS: There were no objectors to the request for the street right-of-way vacation at the Plan Commission meeting. INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: Utility letters have been received from Illinois Power, Ameritech and Insight Communications stating that they have reviewed the request. Utilities are located within the Morgan Street right-of-way and an easement will be reserved for access and maintenance. STAFF REFERENCES: If Council members have questions they may contact Kathy Miller at 424-2786 k'miller decaturnet.or or A.J. Krie er 424-2727 a�krie er decaturnet.or . � J � g g , �� .� S BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: The petitioner will pay the City of Decatur $8,000 for the vacated portion of North Morgan Street.