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Alley Acquisition Leaves Neighbors Squabbling

The rights to the unnamed alley between Woodland and Lindsey Avenue led to two neighbors squabbling during Jamestown City Council voting session meeting Monday.

Since December, city officials have been discussing the proposed abandonment of the 16-by-100 foot alley to be deeded to a nearby property owner. The discussion started in December when the Planning Commission approved the alleyway abandonment. Jeffrey Lehman, city public works director, said the city-owned property has never been open for use. He added this will relieve the city of maintenance and liability issues.

In January, during the public hearing on the abandonment of the unnamed alley, Chris Gardner, Woodlawn Avenue resident, said the alley is needed in case of emergency so public safety vehicles can use it as a right-of-way. During the same meeting, Lehman said Chet Harvey, Jamestown Fire Department deputy director, told him the alley isn’t necessary for emergency purposes for the area.

Lehman said he believes the applicant, Rob Brown, wants to put up a fence around the alley. He said a fence is allowed, but no structure can be built there because the space is needed for utility easements. Lehman suggested that council table the resolution for further investigation.

In February, council once again tabled the abandonment of the unnamed alley after Gardner proposed purchasing the property.

On Monday, Gardner addressed council about his proposal being turned down by city officials. Gardner said he offered $5,500 for the property. He said Marilyn Fiore-Lehman, city corporation counsel, wrote him a letter about why his offer was not accepted by city officials. Gardner then started to criticize Jeffrey Lehman, saying that the two have had their problems in the past.

Rob Brown, the original applicant for acquiring the unnamed alley, also spoke during the council meeting. Brown said he is attempting to clean up the area. However, he said Gardner keeps dumping items in the area of the unnamed alley. Brown said Gardner was even arrested over the matter.

Council approved abandoning the unnamed alley 8-1, with Brent Sheldon, Ward 1 councilman, being the only no vote. Sheldon did not state why he voted no.

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