City Council approves subdivision requests for Lao Avenue and Mercer Street

In the heart of Middletown, NY, the Planning & Economic Development Committee convened on March 4, 2025, to address key subdivision requests that could reshape local neighborhoods. The meeting, marked by a sense of collaboration and community spirit, focused on two significant lot line changes that promise to enhance property use and neighborly relations.

The first item on the agenda involved a civil lot line change for properties located at 20 to 30 Lao Avenue. This adjustment is crucial for the Head Start program, allowing it to move into the OMW facility. Committee members expressed their support, with Alderman Johnson noting the resolution of previous discussions regarding parking spots. The committee unanimously agreed to move the request forward, scheduling a public hearing for the second meeting in March.

The second request came from Tyrone Diaz, a long-time resident of 16 Warren Street, who sought approval for a minor lot line adjustment with his neighbor at 15 Mercer. Diaz explained that his neighbor was gifting him three feet of property, a gesture that arose during a recent survey revealing an encroachment issue. The committee members responded positively, with Alderman Johnson humorously affirming the age-old adage that "good fences make good neighbors." The motion to approve this request also passed, with a public hearing set for the first meeting in April.

As the meeting wrapped up, the atmosphere remained optimistic, reflecting a community eager to foster positive relationships and responsible development. The committee's decisions not only address immediate property concerns but also lay the groundwork for future collaboration among residents, ensuring that Middletown continues to thrive as a welcoming and well-planned community.