In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the proposed vacation of a right-of-way along the eastern property line of a short plat in Pasco, Washington. The application, processed in accordance with municipal code requirements, was evaluated by city staff, who found that the vacation would not adversely affect traffic accessibility or circulation in the area. The right-of-way in question is currently undeveloped and not needed for future public use, according to staff assessments.

The council set a public hearing for August 5, 2024, to gather community input on the matter. During the meeting, it was confirmed that notification of the application was sent out in compliance with a minimum 15-day notice requirement, and no opposition comments were received from the public or city departments.

However, concerns were raised by council members regarding a previous rezone that had garnered significant community opposition. While the rezone received a recommendation for approval from the Pasco hearing examiner, it has yet to be finalized by the city council. Residents expressed apprehension that the right-of-way vacation could facilitate the development of multi-family dwellings in an area predominantly composed of single-family homes.

Public comments during the hearing highlighted the community's unease about potential changes to the neighborhood's character. One resident questioned whether the right-of-way vacation was a precursor to the approval of the multi-family zoning, emphasizing the strong opposition from local residents.

Despite these concerns, the council was reminded that the current discussion was strictly about the right-of-way vacation, a legislative decision separate from the rezone process. The council ultimately moved to adopt an ordinance vacating the right-of-way, while retaining a 20-foot utility easement to accommodate existing overhead power utilities.

The decision reflects ongoing tensions between development interests and community concerns in Pasco, as residents continue to advocate for the preservation of their neighborhood's character amidst changing zoning regulations.