(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City Council in Atlantic, Wednesday evening, agreed to split an un-built Right-Of-Way (or, ROW), among three abutting property owners in the 3000 block of Palm Street. Their recommendation to divide the ROW into thirds, will be forward to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and final recommendation back, to the Council. The P & Z had previously received a petition signed by the property owners abutting the ROW, requesting the ROW be vacated. Prior to deciding on their course of action, the Council, Wednesday, heard from property owners in the affected area, including Dan White, at 3009 Palm Street, who asked the Council to vacate the easement.

Neighbor Bill Welter owns a slightly more than seven-acre parcel of land, on which he says he intends to build a home. Welter wants to use the west section of the ROW for access to his property, utilities and a driveway.

The house, he said, would add about $700,000 to the City’s tax base. Rita Chestnut at 3101 Palm Street, was opposed to vacating the ROW.

Nancy White said the matter boils down to a “Fairness issue.”

Councilman Pat McCurdy made a motion to split the ROW three ways. City Clerk Barb Barrick…