Public works staff recommends extinguishing federal patent easement on Stagecoach Road parcels

Raquel Schatz of the Public Works Department told the Junction City Council at its Aug. 4 work session that an applicant has requested extinguishment of federal patent roadway easements along Stagecoach Road from Junction Street to Tamarisk Street.

Schatz said the federal patent easements were originally granted by Congress in the 1930s–1950s to provide 33-foot strips along parcel boundaries for potential roadway uses. The applicant submitted an application dated April 18, 2025, and provided signed petitions and "Proposition 207" forms required for the parcels, and the applicant owns both parcels involved. Public Works staff reported contacting emergency responders and public-utility providers and said there was no opposition to the extinguishment.

Schatz said the easement alignment is not maintained by the city and that, based on the current site conditions, the easement areas appear to contain little existing public infrastructure; the applicant indicated plans to landscape the parcels for the near term and left open the possibility of future development. Public Works asked the council to move the item to the consent agenda for formal council action.

No council questions were raised at the work session, and the staff presentation recommended approval subject to the conditions listed in the revised staff report. No vote or formal council action occurred at the Aug. 4 work session.