Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2015 02 12

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Planning Commission Staff Report February 12, 2015 The majority of the western portion of East Lafayette Street (west of Cannon Street), a 50' unimproved right -of -way, would remain a public right -of -way designed and used as pedestrian gathering space and drainage basin for the project. The original intent of vacating the right -of -way was to allow for the applicant to retain ownership of the right —of -way for development of a public gathering space with utility easement. Staff and the applicant discussed vacating this right —of -way; but, because there is an existing 60" storm sewer in this right -of- way, it was ultimately determined, through discussions with Public Works and the City Attorney, the City would retain the right of way to ensure the City would maintain access rights to the storm sewer and the public would retain access rights to the greenspace. In this proposal, the developer would be responsible for the construction and on -going maintenance of the public gathering space planned for this Lafayette right -of -way. The applicant is requesting a small portion of the furthest western portion of Lafayette Street be vacated to "complete" the southernmost residential block in Phase 1. This vacation, if approved, would allow the construction of four townhome units. Staff is supportive of this vacation to complete the residential block and adhere to the Land Use Map Exhibit A in the Highway 42 revitalization Plan. The eastern portion of East Lafayette Street, which is diagonally located between Cannon Street and Short Street, is proposed to be vacated and will be developed for parking and private access. A 40' utility easement would be placed over the existing 60" storm sewer. Staff is supportive of this vacation request because Short street with the extension of Cannon Street creates the necessary vehicle 7