Commissioners approve starting formal vacation process for section of Merle Avenue; action contingent on attorney write-ups

Pulaski County commissioners on July 7 voted to begin the legal process to vacate a section of Merle Avenue in Whipplecrest Subdivision after neighbors and property owners discussed a local compromise.

Commissioner and resident statements at the meeting described a proposal to close Merle Avenue from the north end of 300 South to the southern edge of Lots 23 and 36, while leaving the road open south of that point so Mark Ingram’s property would remain accessible from Ray Road. Residents said they had walked the site, sought a compromise that would preserve emergency access, and discussed distributing the vacated 20-foot strips to adjoining owners if the road is vacated.

Ginny (identified in the transcript as a resident and participant in the site visits) described conversations with adjoining landowners Tom Miller and Jerry (last name not given), and indicated the group had reached a workable compromise; Tom Miller told the board emergency vehicles could cross his property if needed. County staff said the next step involves the county attorney and the developer’s counsel preparing vacation paperwork and that additional surveying or legal descriptions may be required. One county official noted past practice in other counties had required an ordinance and statutory process for a county road vacation.

A motion to close the identified segment of Merle Avenue passed after a second; the motion explicitly required attorney write-ups from both the developer’s counsel (identified in discussion as Vigil’s attorney) and the county attorney before the closure is finalized. Commissioners instructed county staff to coordinate with property owners, confirm who currently maintains the grassed road segment, and prepare formal paperwork for a future meeting.

The transcript records the vote passing on a voice vote; commissioners and residents emphasized the action was intended to preserve property access while reducing maintenance burdens and respecting neighboring owners’ rights. No final conveyance instrument or effective transfer of right-of-way was completed at the meeting; the action is a procedural approval to proceed with vacation documentation and surveying.