SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE #2002-O-270

Closing as a public easement the 3100 block of Valencia Avenue between Locust and Plum Streets situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas and providing for an effective date.

INITIATED BY:

CYNTHIA COLLAZO

Asst. City Manager

STAFF SOURCE:

ERASMO VILLARREAL

Community Development Director

PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:

On October 7, 2002, this Ordinance was introduced by the City Council.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Laredo is proposing to close as a public easement the 3100 block of Valencia Avenue between Plum and Locust Streets. This street is open to traffic and is two blocks north of the 200 block of West Lyon Street. Valencia Avenue is not part of a major thoroughfare and it eventually dead ends two blocks south at the Zacate Creek.

Should the proposed street closure be approved, the City of Laredo plans to incorporate the entire street into Blocks 166 and 167, Eastern Division as part of the proposed Inner City Park.

On September 19, 2002, a public hearing was held before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Property owners within a 200’ radius were notified of the proposed street closing and no objections were voiced. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of the proposed closure.

On October 2, 2002, memoranda were provided to the Street Closing Committee members with the above information.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

None.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:

N/A

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends passage of this Ordinance.

ORDINANCE #2002-O-270

CLOSING AS A PUBLIC EASEMENT THE 3100 BLOCK OF VALENCIA AVENUE BETWEEN LOCUST AND PLUM STREETS SITUATED IN THE EASTERN DIVISION, CITY OF LAREDO, WEBB COUNTY, TEXAS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the City Manger recommends that the City Council close as a public easement the 3100 block of Valencia Avenue between Locust and Plum Streets; and,

WHEREAS, traffic flow will not be adversely affected by such closing; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Laredo, the sole abutting property owner, is considering incorporating said street into the City’s abutting property legally described as being Blocks 166 and 167, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as part of an Inner City Park; and,

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it is in the best interest of the City of Laredo to close as a public easement the 3100 block of Valencia Avenue between Locust and Plum Streets.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAREDO:

1. That the 3100 block of Valencia Avenue between Locust and Plum Streets be and the same is hereby closed as a public easement, provided that the City retains the right to maintain, operate, repair and replace, by itself or by any licensee or a holder of a franchise from the City, any poles, wires, pipes, conduits, sewer mains, or any other facilities or equipment for the maintenance of operation of any utility now located in the street portion thereof closed as a public easement.

2. This Ordinance shall become effective upon passage thereof.

PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR ON THIS THE _________ DAY OF _____________, 2002.

____________________

ELIZABETH G. FLORES

Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________

GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.

City Secretary

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Jaime L. Flores

City Attorney

By: __________________________

ANTHONY McGETTRICK

Assistant City Attorney