Title
Public Hearing on a Petition for the Bethel Street Right-of-Way Vacation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing on the petition to vacate a portion of Bethel Street NE between State Avenue and Olympic Drive. After close of testimony, 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 the City Council should approve the petition to vacate a portion of Bethel Street NE between State Avenue and Olympic Drive.
Staff Contact:
Fran Eide, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8422
Presenter(s):
Fran Eide, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Engineering
Background and Analysis:
A property owner next to Bethel Street NE has asked the City to start the process to abandon a portion of Bethel Street NE between State Avenue and Olympic Drive. If the request is granted, the additional property will be used for construction of a retaining wall for the new commercial development.
On October 15, 2019, Council adopted a resolution setting the date of November 12, 2019, for a Public Hearing to hear public comment regarding the request.
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 to make payment of one-half appraised value to the City.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The public hearing will provide an opportunity for Council to hear comments from the community regarding the requested vacation.
Options:
Option 1: Hold a public hearing on the petition to vacate a portion of Bethel Street NE between State Avenue and Olympic Drive. After close of testimony, if there are no concerns, approve the petition to vacate, direct staff to prepare a Vacation Ordinance, and require payment to the City of one-half the appraised value.
• The applicant can proceed with development of their site.
• Staff will prepare a Vacation Ordinance to be adopted at an upcoming Council meeting.
Option 2: Hold a public hearing, approve the petition to vacate a portion of Bethel Street NE between State Avenue and Olympic Drive with additional conditions, and direct staff to prepare a Vacation Ordinance.
Option 3: Hold a public hearing and do not approve the petition to vacate a portion of Bethel Street NE between State Avenue and Olympic Drive.
• This option leaves the street right-of-way as is.
• Redevelopment of the site will require revision.
Financial Impact:
None
Attachments:
Petition to Vacate
Proposed Development Site Plan
Vicinity Map