Second Consideration: Ordinance for Case ROW22-04 being the request of Shawn Struck to vacate unimproved alley right-of-way located west of 2727 Glaspell Street. [Ward 1]

Adopt the Ordinance.

The City Plan and Zoning Commission reviewed Case ROW22-04 at its July 5, 2022 meeting and have recommended approval of the request to vacate the unimproved alley right-of-way located west of 2727 Glaspell Street with the following Finding.

Finding:

1. The unimproved public right-of-way is not required for City purposes.

The property owner at 2727 Glaspell Street has requested a vacation of the north-south alley abutting the west side of his property. The twenty foot wide alley is unimproved and connects Glaspell Street to an east-west alley to the south; however, there is no curb cut along Glaspell Street that would allow for vehicular access to the right-of-way. There are no garages that require access from the alley.

The vacation of public right-of-way is a two step process:

1. Determine if the right-of-way is needed for public purposes.
2. Negotiate and determine terms of conveyance to adjacent property owners. (No Plan and Zoning Commission action is required.)

Comprehensive Plan:

Within Existing Urban Service Area: Yes

Within Urban Service Area 2035: Yes

Future Land Use Designation: Residential General (RG)

Zoning: The abutting properties are zoned R-4 Single-Family and Two-Family Residential District.  

Technical Review:

• Streets: The City of Davenport has no intention of constructing the unimproved north-south alley.  Abutting residential properties do not require the alley for access to off-street parking.
• Natural Resources/Storm Water: No issues with the proposed vacation.
• Sanitary Sewer: There is no existing infrastructure within the proposed right-of-way vacation. 
• MidAmerican Energy Company: No issues with the proposed vacation.
• Iowa American Water Company: There is no infrastructure within the right-of-way nor a reason it will be needed to serve the existing neighborhood.

Public Input:

Letters were sent to property owners within 200 feet of the proposed request notifying them of the June 14, 2022 Plan and Zoning Commission Public Hearing.

To date, staff has received a written response from the property owner at 107 South Rolff Street expressing interest in obtaining a portion of the vacated alley.