2002-36 VACATING PORTION OF AN ALLEY - SITUATED BETWEEN 2500 NORTH MAIN AND NORTH CHURCH STREETS

Home Browse Search

ECUNOMIC AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MEMORANDUM Memo No. 02-39 Ma 1 2002 Y � TO: Honorable Mayor Terry M. Howley and City Council Members FROM: Steve Garman, City Manager Y�'��. A. J. Krieger, Assistant City Manage Steve Van Steenhuyse,AICP, Pl n anag�j Kathy J. Miller,AICP,Planner �y�,� SUBJECT: Alley Way Vacation--Behind 2500 Block North Main Street- Pride Cleaners SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the alley vacation. Since the south portion of the alley was previously vacated and the north portion is utilized as parking, 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 alley vacation and reserving an easement for utility maintenance. The Plan Commission reviewed the request at the April 4, 2002 meeting and recommended approval with a vote of 10 to 0. Plan Commission minutes are attached. BACKGROUND: The petitioner wishes to vacate 230 feet of the alley way in the 2500 block of North Main Street located adjacent to the Pride Cleaner's property and to Pythian Avenue. The south portion of the alley adjacent to McKinley Avenue was vacated in 1959. Pride Cleaners uses the north portion of the alley as part of their parking lot. A twelve (12) inch sewer line is located in the alley. Last year, the Engineering Division made emergency repairs to the sewer line that resulted in the destruction of a portion of the Pride Cleaner's parking lot. In exchange for the damage caused to the parking lot, the City is proposing(at the suggestion of the owner) to vacate this portion of the alley and deed it to the owner of the business. POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS: There were no objectors to the alley vacation at the Plan Commission meeting. I INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: The owners of Pride Cleaners have signed a release from ' any further damages. Utility letters have been received: an easement for utility access and I' maintenance will be required. Property owners on the west side of the alley have been notified of the City's request to vacate the alley by certified mail. STAFF REFERENCES: If Council members have questions they may contact Kathy Miller at 424-2786 or at kjmiller@decaturnet.org. BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: An appraisal for the area to be vacated was submitted with an estimated market value of $4000. The estimated cost to repair the parking lot was $9500. The City will save $5500 by vacating the alley instead of repairing the parking lot damage.