Three lots on Davenport sit on a paper street; committee asks legal for guidance on paving responsibility

Staff raised a developer inquiry about three lots on Davenport that front a paper (unbuilt) city street and said potential buyers want to know who is responsible for paving to allow development. A staff presenter described the situation and noted, "These 3 lots are up for sale and our code enforcement officer, Corey Lewis, and myself have received questions from potential buyers on who is responsible for paving Davenport Street so that these lots can be developed and built."

Committee members discussed precedent concerns and the potentially high cost to construct a new street for only a few lots; members agreed to involve the city attorney and to bring the matter to full council with legal advice on responsibility and possible options (developer-funded construction, city-funded work, or negotiated cost-sharing). Staff noted the underlying plat in GIS dates to 1891 and that many paper streets exist in the city, which complicates establishing a one-size-fits-all policy.