Title
Approval of an Ordinance to Vacate the Alley off 4th Avenue between Adams Street and Franklin Street
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading, an Ordinance to vacate the alley north of 4th Avenue between Adams Street and Franklin Street.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an Ordinance vacating an alley right-of-way north of 4th Ave, between Adams Street and Franklin Street.
Staff Contact:
Mark Russell, P.E., Director, Public Works Department, 360.753.8762
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis have not changed from first to second reading.
A property owner adjacent to an alley right-of-way north of 4th Avenue between Adams Street and Franklin 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 affordable housing apartment building. The developer, Walker John, has proposed a mixed-use development comprising 2,600 square feet of commercial retail space, 36 studio units, and 12 1-bedroom units. The area of the proposed vacated alley will be partly used as an enclosed lobby, with the remaining portion being a gated open-air space.
On July 11, 2023, a Public Hearing was held. After hearing public testimony, mainly addressing the housing project, Council directed staff to draft a Vacation Ordinance and return for approval.
City Staff reviewed the request using the criteria outlined in Olympia Municipal Code Section 12.16.100. Staff recommends approval of the vacation with the requirement for the petitioner to make payment to the City of one-half the appraised right-of-way land value.
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 low-income housing project. This would benefit the community by providing additional housing opportunities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Public Hearing provided an opportunity for Council to hear comments from the community regarding the requested vacation petition. One person provided testimony in person at the hearing.
Financial Impact:
Impact to the petitioner (applicant) is the $2,000 permit application fee and the payment of one-half the appraised ($84,000) right-of-way land value of $42,000.00.
Options:
1. Approve on second reading, an Ordinance to vacate the alley north of 4th Avenue between Adams Street and Franklin Street. This option allows the vacation to occur and the applicant to proceed with development of the site.
2. Approve on second reading, an Ordinance to vacate the alley north of 4th Avenue between Adams Street and Franklin Street with additional conditions desired by Council. Staff will update the Ordinance with Council modifications prior to second reading.
3. Do not approve an Ordinance to vacate the alley north of 4th Avenue between Adams Street and Franklin Street. This option leaves the right-of-way in place and redevelopment of the site will require major design revisions.
Attachments:
Ordinance
Vicinity Map