Title
Resolution to Vacate John Street Public Right-of-Way (CPC Recommendation: Approval - 6 Yeas, 0 Nays); Approve Release of a Utility Easement; and Approve a Utilities Transfer Agreement with the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The University of Michigan has initiated a street vacation for the entirety of John Street, a one-block street extending between South Fifth Avenue and South Division Street. John Street was established by Weinberg's Subdivision, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 8 Washtenaw County Records. The University owns all of the properties on both sides along John Street; thus, the street no longer serves the public or other private users. The vacation will not impact the City's transportation network or public vehicular or pedestrian access. The University wishes to vacate John Street to allow for future development, in particular Phase II of its Central Campus Student Housing Complex.
Staff reviewed the request and recommended approval. On March 3, 2026 the Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend that City Council approve the vacation of John Street public right of way.
The University has provided evidence of notice to the private utility and telecommunication companies having private utility facilities located within this part of John Street, and the University has provided evidence they are agreeable to having their facilities located on University property in the event the part of the John Street public right of way is vacated.
There are also public sanitary sewer pipes and appurtenances and public storm sewer utility catch basins and piping located in John Street right of way that serve only University of Michigan-owned parcels. If John Street is vacated, the transfer of these public utilities should also be addressed because those facilities serve only University properties.
The City has determined that, if John Street is vacated, there is no...
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