06-16-1997 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning File #2245 June 12,1997 Page 3 3. Potential use by utility companies. Summary of Impacts of Proposed Vacation The following represent potential public and private impacts if the proposed vacation is approved: Applicant Freeburg will have more flexibility in any future relocation of the non-conforming1. garage. 2. 3. Both applicants will gain area within their homestead lots. The City or County may have to expend public funds to purchase the alley property if needed in the fhture for public puiposes. 4.Utility and drainage easements will have to be granted over the alley way to protect the interests of the utility companies and the public. The City would not approve construction of a building over a drainage easement. 5. No properties will lose any access to public roads or public waters if the alley is vacated. AgencyAJtility Comments As of this writing, none of the utilities has responded other than U.S. West who indicated they dont serve this area (notice was re-sent to GTE). Hennepin Public Works has discussed this briefly with staff but has not responded in writing as of yet. Discussion Since there are a number of public purposes served by this alley way or which may be served m the future by this alley way, staff questions whether it is appropriate to vacate this alley. While it may seem to the property owners that the alley serves no public purpose, the fact that Lot A in combination with the alley has a width of approximately 30-35 ’ within a flat ai^ of a drainage way, suggests that this area may have potential drainage control value to the City in the future. Because this is the inside of a curve on the County Road, there is a potential ^t additional right-of- way could be needed someday in order to straighten that curve. While this is not in any current plans, it may be shortsighted to give up the right-of-way now and then have to buy it back later. t