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CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE O-2021-24 UPON SECOND AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, CLOSING TWO PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY (ALLEYS), AS WELL AS EXISTING UTILITY EASEMENTS, LOCATED IN BLOCK 1 OF EAST UNIVERSITY ADDITION TO NORMAN, CLEVELAND COUNTY, OKLAHOMA; AND PROVIDING FOR THE SEVERABILITY THEREOF.
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BACKGROUND: Block 1 of East University Addition was filed of record on February 22, 1910, with a sixteen-foot (16’) width right-of-way North-South and a fourteen-foot, six inches (14’6”) right-of-way running East-West within Block 1. This particular width of rights-of-way were typically used for alley purposes. Also, this request includes closure of Easement No. E-9495-1 located within the unplatted property located north of Block 1, Trout Addition. Easement E-9495-2 the north eight-foot (8’) of Lots 0, 1, and 2, Block 1, Trout Addition. Easement E-9495-3 the north eight-foot (8’) of Lots 3 and 4, Block 1, Trout Addition, Easement E-9495-4 the north eight-foot (8’) of Lots 5 and 6, Block 1, Trout Addition and Easement E-9495-5 the north eight-foot (8’) of Lots 7 and 8, Block 1, Trout Addition.
DISCUSSION: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma through their representative Johnson & Associates is requesting the closure of the above stated rights-of-way and easements. All of the property in question is within the ownership of the University of Oklahoma. Since all of the structures have been removed from the properties, there are no longer the need or use of the rights-of-way and easements. It is anticipated that the area will be a continuation/expansion of parking.
Planning Commission, at its meeting of December 10, 2020, recommended adoption by a vote of 7-0.
RECOMMENDATION: The easements in question were specifically designed to serve residential houses. Since the houses are no longer existing, staff supports the closure of the various rights-of-way and easements described in the applicants’ request.