Council approves vacation of right‑of‑way around Balboa Avenue Transit Center; parcels revert to SANDAG

The council unanimously approved a right‑of‑way vacation for approximately 2.31 acres surrounding the Balboa Avenue Transit Center, moving property parcels back to the underlying owner, SANDAG, and memorializing sewer easements to preserve access and maintenance.

Mark Lopez, a project manager in Development Services, said the areas proposed for vacation had been dedicated for a subdivision that never developed and were later conveyed in part during the regional blue‑line expansion. The vacation, Lopez said, will relieve the city of maintaining those specific right‑of‑way segments while allowing continued transit center use and protecting sewer facilities through easement reservations.

Councilmember Campbell, a resident near the transit center, described the site as a successful transit asset and moved the staff recommendation; Councilmember Whitburn seconded the motion. The council approved the vacation with a recorded unanimous vote.

Why it matters: The action clarifies ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the parcels around a key transit facility, reduces city maintenance obligations for unused roadway areas and secures legal protections for existing sewer infrastructure.

Next steps: Staff will complete the administrative steps to record the vacation and memorialize the sewer easement language that preserves utility access and maintenance rights for the city and other agencies.