Title
ALLEY VACATION RECONSIDERATION
INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Ken Botero
SUPPORTED BY: Councilmember Chet Makinster
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Preserve and enhance neighborhoods
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
At the 07/12/18 council meeting, council approved Resolution No. 2272 setting a public hearing to vacate the northerly 290 feet of alley right-of-way in Block #12, Plat of Longview #7, located between 7th & 8th Avenues, south of Hudson Street, as requested by property owner Vince Penta. At the 8/9/18 meeting, council held the public hearing and subsequently approved the alley vacation request. The approval had conditions set, as can be reviewed on the attached minute excerpt from that meeting.
Recently Mr. Penta had a conversation with City of Longview staff concerting that approval. We would like to revisit this issue after Mr. Penta expressed a different view of what our intent was. It seems that city staff and the State of Washington are not on the same page on the funding issue. The City of Longview, following tradition, has the option to collect the payment for the vacations. Mr. Penta is asking to earmark the funds being paid into a fund, separate from general fund monies, and be set aside for the required relocation and other infrastructure that may be required through building permits. It was noted that “housing can only be affordable to rent, if the cost to build be affordable”.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Revisit council intent regarding the alley vacation approval as mentioned above.