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Update on the status of the issue involving Four Corners Lube:
IDOT is proceeding
with the preparation of a proposal for the City to take jurisdiction
of the Hickox Drive right of way at the southwest quadrant of
Woodlawn and Lincoln Parkway. I spoke with an individual in Planning
and Programming today, and was told that IDOT had arrived at a
dollar amount for the Present Worth Value of the right of way and
roadway, and that once it was approved by the Office of Planning and
Programming, IDOT would prepare a Letter of Intent and JT forms for
the City's review and approval.
This would be the
first step in the process for a final resolution for Four
Comers Lube. Once the City has jurisdiction of the right of way, the
City could allow the continued encroachment, thereby allowing the
construction of the proposed garage to be completed.
According to what
was discussed, Four Corners Lube will pursue from IDOT a declaration
that the area in question is Excess Property, allowing the purchase
of the property from the State. At that point, the City would vacate
a portion of the right of way, allowing it to revert back to the
State, and be purchased by Four Corners Lube.
This issue began in September when the business owner, Rick
Farney, poured a foundation for a new building, only to discover he
had laid the concrete on state property.
He had to stop construction on the building until a resolution
could be reached. According to state law, the state cannot give
jurisdiction of a property to an individual, but can give it to a
municipality.
Farney came to the council in February and asked them to get
involved so he would be able to move forward in his business
expansion project.
At that time, he made the council aware his business is growing,
but he doesn't have the real estate to expand in any other
direction. If he is to continue growing his business, he's going to
have to work this out so he can build his new building on what's
currently state-owned property.
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Tuesday night Mathon explained this was the process that would have to be gone
through so that Farney could go ahead and build a new garage on state-owned
property. The right of way owned by the state would be put under the
jurisdiction of the city, the city would allow Farney to build, and
Farney would continue pursuing a permanent solution with the state.
For Farney to become owner of the property, he will have to
petition the state to declare the land as excess property to be sold
to him.
This is a process that does not happen quickly. Mathon noted it
could take up to two years for the state to declare the land excess
property. He said by the city going ahead and assuming jurisdiction
of the right of way, Farney could be given a variance from the city
and allowed to proceed with his project.
During discussion Alderman David Armbrust voiced a concern about
doing the mowing. He was reminded that when Farney came to the
council in February, he said he had always mowed the grass around
his property and would continue to do so.
Mayor Keith Snyder asked when the letters from the state might
arrive, and Mathon indicated he expected them in April.
[By NILA SMITH]
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