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CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE O-1718-24 UPON SECOND AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, CLOSING THREE UTILITY EASEMENTS FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN LOTS 1, 2 AND 3, BLOCK 1, SOUTH LAKE ADDITION, SECTION 11. (GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF CLASSEN BOULEVARD BETWEEN ANN BRANDEN BOULEVARD AND RENAISSANCE DRIVE)
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BACKGROUND: This is a request to close certain existing utility easements generally located within Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 1, South Lake Addition, Section 11, located on the east side of Classen Boulevard (U.S. No. 77) between Ann Branden Boulevard and Renaissance Drive. The above utility easements are in conflict with a new construction proposal.
DISCUSSION: All franchise utilities were notified to assess the impact on their facilities with the closure of easements; there were no objections. The fifteen-foot utility easements were originally intended for fire protection to serve future buildings. However, the new developers have redesigned the properties. The proposed projects are in conflict with the existing water lines and fire hydrants. As a result the existing internal fire hydrants are no longer needed in their existing locations. The developers will be required to provide proper fire protection with the submittal of their plans with building permit applications. Planning Commission, at its meeting of December 14, 2017, recommended adoption.
RECOMMENDATION: The easements in question were specifically designed to serve a proposed bank and other retail structures. With the redesign of the site plan, staff recommends approval of this request to close and ultimately vacate the 15’ utility easements within Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 1, South Lake Addition, Section 11 that interfere with the proposed projects.