11-15-1993 Planning PacketC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning File #1876 November 10. 1993 Page 3that actual public use of this right-of-way would be physically difficult for some purposes, and certainly a nuisance to the adjacent propeny owners. On the other hand, if at some fumre date the railroad becomes a public trail, which is not beyond the realm of imagination, then this public right-of-way might sei^e as an access corridor to a public fishing pier, for instance. Cenainly a stairway could be constructed and a fishing pier created that would benefit the public I am not suggesting this is a good use nor an, I predicting that it will occur. But, if the right-of-way is vacated, that potential public benefit no longer exists, and the public will be forced to purchase other land for that purpose. Doesn't it seem reasonable that the public should have the ability at that future date to either use this land for public purpose, or as an alternative, sell this public land and use the proceeds to purchase a better location elsewhere.' The City and the DNR in denying or opposing the vacation might be accused of lacking common sense, practicality, a realistic viewpoint, etc. However, the lakes of the State of Minnesota do belong to the public and the public has the right to have access to them. Access has been granted over many decades via alleyways and roadways dedicated on plats. There is no question that private lakeshore is a valuable commodity, but public lakeshore is equally valuable if not more so. The City is obligated to protect the public ’s interest. Policy Per Orono’s Comprehensive Plan