The possible vacation of a portion of Maine and Fuller Sts. was back at the table with Mayor Butch Berry explaining that council had originally done a site visit and tabled the item until they could have a drone-view of the property under scrutiny. Berry said they could not find a licensed drone operator to get the birds-eye-view and the item was back.
During Public Comments, resident of Breezy Point Rd., Sharon Williams, said residents along Breezy Point are wanting alternative access to the road. She said that in speaking with contractors, Adams, Maine and Fuller Sts. could all be improved and if the city vacated the road, a possible ingress and egress would be eliminated.
The vacation of Maine and Fuller Sts. had been opposed by Public Works because the department has expressed a desire to add a road that would give further access to Breezy Point. The portion being asked to vacate is a drainage way.
Alderman Terry McClung said he did not see it as a practical place for a road, and a land swap had been discussed with the current property owners to give more practical placement for a roadway. An agreement between the applicant and one contestant had gone to mediation, but the city had no part and the mediation fell through. Wiley explained that running up the roads are electric utilities and it’s Public Works policy to deny the application if there are utilities running along the rights-of-way.
The vacation has also had several residents during and since the public hearing in June voice opposition.
Attorney Mike Bishop, representing property owners requesting the vacation, said that it was unlikely the city would build a road from Fuller St. to Breezy Point Rd. as there are already multiple ways to access Breezy Point via Adams. He also argued that none of the complaints had been by abutting property owners.
McClung suggested that since there was a willingness between the opposing parties, mediation would be an approach. McClung made a motion for the city to engage with the parties for mediation and resolution, with a second from alderman Steve Holifield. Alderman Harry Meyer questioned if the neighbors that objected would be part.
McClung said his concern is to make sure everyone still has access to their properties, which was at the heart of many of the neighboring property owner objections. Bishop said that the mediation agreement would need to be voted on, giving opportunity for people to object. The vote for mediation went 4-3 with Mayor Berry breaking the 3-3 tie with a Yes. Aldermen Melissa Greene, Meyer, and Slane voted No.