Commission amends sale request, recommends city sell northern half of McDougall Street parcel to neighbor

The Covington Planning Commission voted to recommend that the city sell the northern half of a 50-by-240-foot portion of McDougall Street (Second Connelly addition) to petitioner Gary Miley, after commissioners amended the petition to limit the sale to the northern 120-by-50-foot portion.

Planning staff introduced case 26-06-02 and told the commission that engineering and public works were not in favor of selling the full strip because utilities — including water, sewer and large overhead Cleco power lines — run in the right-of-way. "Engineering and public works are not in favor of this because we have utilities in that street right of way," staff said.

Petitioner Gary Miley (304 East 32nd Avenue) told the commission he and his family own adjacent parcels and want additional green space for children; he said he has discussed the idea with council members and the mayor. "We want to increase our green space for the children," Miley said.

Business owner Ian Milich, who owns the property immediately adjacent, opposed selling the entire strip, saying the right-of-way provides a critical entrance and exit used by delivery trucks and employees. "If the property is purchased, you lose access to what you have now," Milich said, adding that utilities and long-term informal use of the strip create practical constraints.

Commissioners discussed possible remedies including deed restrictions, servitudes and right-of-way permits; staff said a right-of-way permit could allow limited use if no sale occurs but that servitudes and existing utility needs would constrain buildable area. Commissioners favored splitting the strip so one buyer would obtain the northern half while the city would retain the southern portion and any necessary public-works servitudes.

A commissioner moved to amend the petition to recommend sale of the northern portion only (described during deliberations as 120 feet by 50 feet). The motion was seconded and passed on roll call: Mr. Boone, Mr. Davidson, Mr. Duvik, Mr. Hudson and Miss McCay all voted yes. The commission approved forwarding the amended recommendation to city council, which has final authority over any sale, servitudes, or deed restrictions.

Staff noted that any sale remains subject to servitudes for utilities and that additional administrative steps (appraisal, council review, and potential reapplication for a half-sale) could be required. The commission also reminded parties that inter-party agreements (memoranda of understanding) could be used to protect existing access arrangements if one neighbor purchases land later.