Residents oppose proposed vacation of Worcester alleys; panel hears access and ownership concerns

A petition to vacate alleys and partial rights-of-way in the original plat of Wooster/Worcester prompted several heated public comments and questions about longstanding access, ownership, and possible impacts on nearby homes.

Staff described the request (for blocks 1, 6 and 15) and recommended a favorable recommendation to the county commissioners with a condition that vacated alley parcels be combined so they do not create landlocked tracts. Staff also noted the highway department questioned whether a drive near the railroad right-of-way might be affected in the future, but staff said that specific drive was not part of this vacation request.

Multiple residents spoke in opposition. Laurie Schroeder Meniere asked whether a drive along the railroad would be closed and emphasized protecting access for a home that has relied on that lane for decades; staff said the railroad right-of-way issue is separate and would require a different process. Melissa Rogers said the property at issue is family-owned and alleged the owner wants the road closed to improve sale value; she described a nearby mobile-home resident who needs access for a driveway. William Hutchison, who said he inherited property and has maintained the gravel lane for years, said vacating the lane would remove the only access to his property.

Staff explained that if the vacation is granted, abutting lot owners would acquire the vacated parcels under state statute and noted that currently a single family owns the larger tract; staff also explained the county is unlikely to take over unimproved alleyways as public roads.

The hearing record ends with staff and residents still discussing railroad-rights issues; the transcript cuts off mid-explanation. The panel indicated the recommendation will be forwarded to the Kosciusko County commissioners for final action on Jan. 27. Exact next steps and any conditions will be reflected in the commissioners' agenda packet.