Planning Commission approves closure of portion of Jockwa Lane right-of-way

The Planning Commission on Aug. 14 approved the closure and vacation of a 60-foot by 339-foot portion of undeveloped Jockwa Lane so the surrounding property owner can consolidate the parcels into a single record lot. The vote was 4-0 in favor of the staff recommendation. Staff member said the portion of Jockwa Lane lies at the west end of Vilas on the city's west side and is undeveloped. "The request is for the closure of a 60 foot by 339 foot portion of street right away," the staff member said, adding that the applicant owns the properties surrounding the right-of-way and intends to tie them into one property of record. The staff report noted there are existing easements that preserve city access to the nearby developed park and that the other properties on the street will retain legal access from Jockwa Lane. Staff also reported no utility objections to the closure and recommended approval of the application as outlined. A motion to approve the request was made and seconded; Planning Commission members Zach Robbins, Steven Harrison, Franklin Danley and Brent Linford voted yes. The record contains no public comments opposing the closure and no additional conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes. The closure applies only to the portion described in application 25005; staff indicated other access and easement provisions remain in place to preserve municipal access to adjacent parkland.