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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-13-111 - Surplus Lands and Closure - Laneway - Waterloo StreetStaff Rep►�►r I r Infrastruc�ture5ervrresDepartment wvwuukitchenerra REPORT TO: Committee of the Whole DATE OF MEETING: November 25, 2013 SUBMITTED BY: Justin Readman, Director of Transportation Services PREPARED BY: Danny Pimentel, Traffic Technologist (519- 741 -2200 ext. 7371) WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 10 DATE OF REPORT: November 19, 2013 REPORT NO.: INS -13 -111 POTION OF UNAMED LANEWAY CLOSURE BETWEEN SUBJECT: WATERLOO STREET AND DUKE STREET AND DECLARED LANDS SURPLUS RECOMMENDATIONS: That the closure of a portion of an unnamed lane between Waterloo Street and Duke Street, located between Wellington Street and Louisa Street, running a distance of 27 metres north of Waterloo Street be approved in principle, and that those lands being closed be declared surplus to the City's needs and that Legal Services be instructed to proceed with the preparation of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with the Owner of 62 Waterloo Street at the purchase price of $1.00, preparation of a by -law and for the necessary advertising in the local newspaper for the closing of the aforementioned lane. The lane closure is subject to the following conditions: 1. That a reference plan be completed and deposited prior to the passing of the lane closure by -law. 2. That all required easements be granted prior to the conveyance of the closed portion of the lane; including an easement in favour of Rogers for underground and aerial plant. 3. That the purchaser (62 Waterloo Street) be responsible for all of the costs related to the closure, including but not limited to the reference plan, City legal fees, registration and advertising associated with the closure of the laneway; and, 4. Road closing by -law enacted by Council. And further, that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute all necessary documentation to effect these transactions, said documentation to be to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor. 5 -1 BACKGROUND: In February 2013, Transportation Services received a request from the homeowner of 62 Waterloo Street to purchase a portion of an unnamed Ianeway that runs parallel to both Wellington Street North and Louisa Street, between Waterloo Street and Duke Street West. The attached map displays the exact location of the lane that has been reviewed. The City of Kitchener currently owns the above noted lane; however it has not been formally used as a public thoroughfare for a number of years. REPORT: Transportation Services was contacted by the homeowner of 62 Waterloo Street in February 2013, with an inquiry to purchase a portion of the lane that runs parallel to the property. The homeowner recently purchased this dwelling unit and was in the process of renovating portions of the property. As a result the homeowner was attempting to obtain a building permit to address concerns with the driveway and garage located at 62 Waterloo Street. Upon further investigation, City staff discovered that the portion of the property the homeowner was inquiring about was in fact City owned lands. Transportation Services sent a notification letter, dated March 28, 2013, to all affected agencies to identify any easements that may be required. Rogers has identified the need for an easement as underground and aerial plants are located within the lane. There are three (3) properties which border the portion of the lane considered for closure. However it should be noted that at the present time, 62 Waterloo Street is occupying the entire portion of the lane. Transportation Services issued a notification letter to the remaining two (2) property owners, seeking their interest in purchasing a portion of the lane. City staff did not receive any comments or concerns from those property owners. As noted previously, 62 Waterloo Street currently occupies the entire lane that runs parallel to the length of the property. The lane currently serves as a primary access for 62 Waterloo Street as the driveway and garage are currently located within the lane. The abutting two (2) properties do not have direct access to the lane and are accessible by the surrounding road network. From a traffic perspective, this portion of the lane is not needed to serve local traffic. It is not currently open and has not been for a number of years. The remaining portion of the lane is accessible via Duke Street West save and except an obstruction or encroachment. Transportation Services would have no concerns with the closure of that portion of the lane, in the area of 62 Waterloo Street. (See attached Diagram) ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: This initiative falls under the Community Priority of Quality of Life. "Work with partners, including all orders of government, to create a culture of safety in our community." 5 -2 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Closure of the lane and any costs associated to the closure would be borne by the homeowner of 62 Waterloo Street. These costs will be approximately $2500.00 inclusive of all associated fees. While The City would not incur revenue as a result of the lane closure, it would see an increase in property taxes to 62 Waterloo Street if the portion of lands were conveyed. COMMUNICATIONS: City staff has been in continuous contact with representatives acting on behalf of 62 Waterloo Street, including various letter and phone conversations. Adjacent properties and affected agencies have been circulated and comments have been considered in this report. 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