Title
Public Hearing - Consideration of a Vacation Petition for an Alley Right-of-Way South of Legion Way, between Adams and Jefferson Street
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing on the petition to vacate a portion of an alley right-of-way south of Legion Way, between Adams Street and Jefferson Street. After closing the hearing, if there are no concerns; move to approve the petition to vacate, direct staff to prepare a Vacation Ordinance, and require payment to the City of one-half the appraised value.
Report
Issue:
Whether hold a public hearing on the petition to vacate a portion of an alley right-of-way south of Legion Way, between Adams Street and Jefferson Street. After closing the hearing, if there are no concerns; move to approve the petition to vacate, direct staff to prepare a Vacation Ordinance, and require payment to the City of one-half the appraised value.
Staff Contact:
Adam Dreller, PLS, City Surveyor, Public Works Engineering, 360.742.6489
Presenter(s):
Adam Dreller, PLS, City Surveyor, Public Works Engineering
Background and Analysis:
A property owner adjacent to an alley right-of-way south of Legion Way, between Adams Street and Jefferson Street has requested the City to initiate the process to abandon the alley adjacent to their property. The additional property will be used in the development and construction of a new apartment building consisting of 87 market rate units. This will be four stories of apartments over a first story of retail and parking stalls.
On November 10, 2025, Council adopted a resolution setting the date of December 9, 2025 for a public hearing to hear public comment regarding the request.
City staff reviewed the request using criteria outlined in the Olympia Municipal Code Section 12.16.100. Staff recommends approval of the vacation with the requirement for the petitioner to make payment of one-half the appraised right-of-way land value to the City. The appraised value is $39,000 so the payment required is $19,500.
Climate Analysis:
This action is administrative in nature and does not have a direct impact on our climate goals. There are no known increases or decreases in greenhouse gas emissions with the proposed alley vacation.
Equity Analysis:
Although this action is administrative in nature, the alley vacation is a component of a proposed housing project. This would benefit the community by providing additional housing opportunities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The public hearing will provide an opportunity for Council to hear from the community on the requested vacation petition.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact to hold the public hearing to consider vacating a portion of an alley right-of-way south of Legion Way, between Adams Street and Jefferson Street. If the vacation is approved, the petitioner will be required to pay the City $19,500 for the value of the right-of-way.
Options:
1. Hold a public hearing on the petition to vacate a portion of an alley right-of-way south of Legion Way, between Adams Street and Jefferson Street. After closing the hearing, if there are no concerns; move to approve the petition to vacate, direct staff to prepare a Vacation Ordinance, and require payment to the City of one-half the appraised value.
2. Hold a public hearing, approve the petition to vacate a portion of an alley right-of-way south of Legion Way, between Adams Street and Jefferson Street with additional conditions, and direct staff to prepare a Vacation Ordinance.
3. Hold a public hearing and do not approve the petition to vacate a portion of an alley right-of-way south of Legion Way, between Adams Street and Jefferson Street. This option leaves the alley right-of-way as is and redevelopment of the site will require revision.
Attachments:
Petition
Proposed Development Site Plan
Vicinity Map
Presentation