City council says ok to vacating an alley

 

 

The Washington City Council held a public hearing and the first reading of an ordinance to vacate a portion of an alley in the city.

The alley is located behind Main Street Pharmacy and the Economic Development Corporation offices on Main Street.  Dusty Davis, with D. Davis Properties LLC made the request saying he just wants to close the alley that’s tied between the two buildings.  The alley section behind The neighboring Senior and Family Services and to the west will stay open..

Davis adds he plans to put a removable gate at one end of the alley and turn it into a courtyard with picnic tables and more to be used by the services and businesses who share the alley.    The council agreed to vacate the alley stipulating that there would be access for utility work when needed.

Also last night the city council gave final approval to an ordinance on changing permit fees.  As reported earlier this month, the ordinance is a step in moving the Building Commissioner’s Office from a tax-based to a fee-based office.  Officials says there  has been an increase in the administrative costs of processing permits.   The permits for new fences, reroofing, and signs will now cost $25.   Most other current fees will remain the same.