Title
Approval of Moore Street Pathway Easements
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Shinners, Burk, Wilson, and Perry easement acquisitions necessary to complete the Moore Street Pathway, and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary closing and easement documents.
Report
Issue:
Whether the Council should approve the acquisition of pedestrian easements over four parcels of land.
Staff Contact:
Ladd F. Cluff, PLS, City Surveyor, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8389
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
In 2014, the Wildwood Neighborhood Association and Governor Stevens Neighborhood Association submitted a joint proposal under the Neighborhood Pathways Program to formalize this pathway. This pathway has existed for many years on private property. It connects the dead end of Moore Street SE to O'Farrell Ave SE. While all the affected property owners have allowed the pathway to exist on their property, both neighborhood associations were concerned that future property owners might choose to block access to it. Therefore, the acquisition of easements to ensure this pathway's continued existence was a key part of the neighborhoods' proposal.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) recommended funding this proposal in 2014. Staff has been negotiating with the property owners for several months. They have accepted the City's offers and signed the pathway easement deeds.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
This pathway is supported by both the Governor Stevens and Wildwood Neighborhood Associations. It connects the neighborhoods to each other, and it is a common route for kids walking to Olympia High School. Staff worked with all property owners in accordance with Federal, State and City guidelines throughout the acquisition process.
Options:
1. Approve the Shinners, Burk, Wilson, and Perry easement acquisitions necessary to complete the Moore Street Pathway, and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary closing and easement documents.
a. Will allow the project to move forward as planned.
b. Is consistent with the project the Neighborhood Associations proposed.
2. Do not approve the acquisition of easements.
a. Would stop the project.
b. Could affect the neighborhoods ability to use the path in the future.
Financial Impact:
This project is funded through the City's Neighborhood Pathways Program.
The estimated budget is sufficient to acquire all necessary easements.
Attachment(s):
Easement Deeds
Vicinity Map