01/27/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e . Mayor Obie asked what the alley is used for. Mr. Kruse said the Black Forest Tavern, located at the north end of the alley, uses the alley for rear access. L & M Sheet Metal is located across the alley from the tavern. He said the sheet metal business is currently being sold and he anticipates an automotive repair shop will be the next tenant. Pizza Pizza Italian Kitchen is located south of the tavern and also uses the alley for rear access. Next to the pizza restaurant is Northwest Mexican Foods that has approximately ten vehicles a day using the alley. Next to the Mexican restaurant is Reilly's Oak Furniture which also has a significant amount of traffic. Mr. Kruse said he owns the property on the entire west side of the alley. In response to a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Kruse said it is not possible to drive through from 26th to 27th Avenue. Mr. Kruse added he also has an easement for a roadway on the east side of the alley. Sid Martin, 26401 Petzold Road, Veneta, said he owns the property on the east side of the alley. He speculated the original reason for vacating the alley was because it is a dead end. Mr. Martin said Mr. Kruse's tenants use the alley and Mr. Martinis property for parking. He questioned whether using the alley for parking is an appropriate use. Mr. Martin added he is suprised that Mr. Kruse wants to keep the alley open since it is already blocked by one of his tenantls structures. Mr. said it is his understanding that the original error could be corrected without initiating a new vacation motion. Mayor Obie closed the public hearing. Mr. Croteau said he researched the records but found almost no written rationale for the original vacation ordinance. He said alleys are typically used to provide properties with rear-loading access and some limited transportation access. Mayor Obie asked if there has been any change in the physical nature of the alley since 1964. Mr. Croteau said there has been no change from the City's perspective. Ms. Schue asked for an explanation of the differences between alleys and easements. Mr. Croteau said an alley is owned by the City and used for access purposes. An alley is not to be used for parking or storage. An easement is the right to use private land for other purposes, such as utilities. He said easements are also used for access purposes. Ms. Schue asked if a City access easement to the businesses will still exist if the alley is vacated. Mr. Croteau said the City is only retaining an easement for public utilities. He said access to the properties is already provided through a private easement. Mr. Croteau said the alley would be divided in half between the properties on the east and west if it was vacated. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 27, 1988 Page 4