Council considers vacating part of drainage easement at Chapel Hill Gardens cemetery

Community Development Director Steve Franklin presented a request from Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery to vacate a portion of a 45-foot drainage and utility easement at 4400 Memorial Hay Road so the cemetery could develop additional burial plots and two columbariums.

Franklin said staff reviewed stormwater and utility records and found no evidence of utilities in the portion proposed for vacation but recommended leaving at least 25 feet of easement to accommodate any future needs. The site plan includes a sidewalk connection and minor site work; staff described this as a minor site plan that would not later require additional City Council permitting.

The public hearing was opened and no members of the public spoke against the proposal. Council later moved to approve the related resolution (resolution 105-2025) to vacate the described portion of the easement.

Franklin said staff would ensure remaining easement width is sufficient for future access or utility work if required.