Community & Leadership Development, Inc.(CLDI) has petitioned to vacate a portion of Monroe Street just north of Orrel Street.  CLDI has purchased lots 11-20 in Straw Subdivision at the corner of Orrel Street and Monroe Street and proposes to construct 5 duplexes on the property.  Monroe Street is undeveloped along this property, and the right of way width is insufficient to construct a street.  When Straw Subdivision was platted, only 30 feet of right of way was dedicated.  The properties on the other side of the Monroe right of way include Riverside School and a single family home with access off of another street.  Neither have a need for Monroe Street to be constructed.  The area of the street proposed to be vacated is 10,324 square feet.

The Council may:

• Approve acknowledgment of petition to vacate the above-mentioned right-of-way and set a public hearing for July 14, 2014; or
• Do not acknowledge the petition and terminate the right-of-way vacation process.

The petitioners have provided a letter of value by a realtor for the right of way.  Donald Lohrenz from Real Estate by Hamwey has established the value of the right of way at $2.29/sf.  At $2.50/sf, the right of way would be valued at $25,810.00.  If Council declines to approve the right of way vacation as a gift, the petitioner would have to pay the city this amount for the right of way.

Staff recommends that Council acknowledge the receipt of a petition to vacate a portion of Monroe Street and set a public hearing for July 14, 2014.