ARLINGTON — The vacation of a portion of Union Street’s right of way, and the relinquishment of a separate utility easement within the Plat of La Verne Heights, could contribute to the revitalization of downtown Arlington.
“What is occurring with Union Street is what we’re seeing with the redevelopment of much of ‘Old Town’ Arlington,” said Kristin Banfield, director of communications for the city. “We are seeing infill development on smaller lots and the subdividing of larger lots that were platted many, many years ago.”
The right-of-way vacation and utility easement relinquishment were initiated by property owners Steve and Sonya Kraski, the latter of whom spoke to the City Council April 6. She asserted this move would increase the functionality of the property and tax revenues to the city.
The petition was initially proposed as part of a proposed multi-family condo housing development on the property, but the deal fell through. The Kraskis requested to continue with the vacation and relinquishment given that, as Banfield confirmed, “Union Street is never going to go further east.”
The street’s right-of-way further east from the Kraskis’ property was vacated around 10 years ago. There is now a house right in the middle of where the roadway would go.
“There appears to be a market developing for smaller houses, smaller yards in town for town homes or condos for those that are at the point in their life where they don’t want a large house and yard to maintain,” Banfield said. “From what I’ve read, the demographic that buys these is mixed — young singles or couples with no kids, midlife empty-nesters, and older generations that want to be closer to services.”
The petition was received Dec. 26, and the resolution referring the vacation to the Planning Commission for review, and setting the date for a public hearing on the matter, was approved by the mayor and council March 2. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposal March 17, and based upon their findings, recommended approval of both the vacation and relinquishment.
