04-14-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION COUNC/LMEETINQ ^ 4 1997 CJIY OP ORONO DATE: April 7,1997 ITEM NO ^ // Department Approval: Name Ron Moorse Title City Administrator Administrator Reviewed:Agenda Section: City Administrator's Report Item Description: Valek Request to Vacate Right-of-Way and Acquisition of a Portion of a Tax Forfeit Parcel Background The city currently has a 10' wide right-of-way running north/south through the Valek property (see attached map A). The right-of-way is undeveloped and is currently not used for a public purpose. The ripht-of-way is part of an old subdivision and was to be used as an alleyway to serve a number of siTi jll parcels. The subdivision was never developed as platted. The lots that have been developed have access onto Tonkaview. The property to the north of the platted alleyway is now planned to be park land. The city is in the process of acquiring a 9.5 acre tax forfeit parcel to the north of the Valek property. The Valek's have indicated their strong interest in acquiring 1/2 acre of this parcel to give them a deeper backyard and ownership of an area critical to their lot's drainage (see map B), and to enhance a planned subdivision which would create a new buildable lot by combining existing lots (see map C). The right-of-way and 1/2 acre are related in that the city wants to resolve the right-of-way prior to taking action regarding the 1/2 acre parcel. The city has indicated a willingness to allow the Valeks to acquire the 1/2 acre tax forfeit parcel. The city also initially requested the Valeks to provide a 20' right-of-way into the 9.5 acre tax forfeit parcel to provide pedestrian access into the planned park land. The Valek's have suggested their property is not a good access point to the park due to the proposed park land property being low and wet in this area. A right-of-way through their property would also obstruct their plans for creation of a new lot. Park Access From the beginning of this process, staff has wanted to assure an adequate permanent access to the proposed park area prior to considering the vacation of the right-of-way on the Valek property. With the acquisition of the Saga Hill Natural Area, permanent access to the proposed park area can be accomplished using the existing Garden Lane right-of-way. Also, staff has had discussions with the Fairview Covenant Church regarding a pedestrian -recess (including use of the existing church parking lot.) The church is receptive to this access alternative with a number of conditions including