Public works committee backs public hearing to vacate Morris Road stub in Winwood

The Public Works Committee recommended that the Board of Commissioners initiate proceedings to vacate a short segment of Morris Road behind a defunct gas station in Winwood and authorize a public hearing on the matter. The motion instructs staff to advertise the public hearing process that starts the legal procedure for discontinuing and returning the right‑of‑way to adjacent property owners.

Staff and commissioners said the roadway currently serves little public purpose and that vacating it would allow the two adjacent property owners to redevelop the parcel in a more cohesive manner. Commissioner Courtney relayed concerns raised by a civic association about the turning angle from Lancaster to Winwood and asked whether traffic‑safety conditions would need to be addressed through development plans; staff said traffic and site design will be handled through building and planning conditions if and when an application is submitted.

Commissioner Daily requested the names of the property owners who would receive the vacated strip so she could confirm there are no conflict‑of‑interest issues before voting at the board level; staff agreed to provide that information. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the board adopt the resolution and schedule the public hearing.