Resident raises dispute over alley easement near Allen Street during public comment

During the public-comment portion of the Dec. 23 Scottsburg Common Council meeting, resident Harmon Banks told the council he lives in Scottsburg and raised concerns about an easement or alley behind properties near Allen Street that he said is being used or claimed by another person.

“My name is Harmon Banks. I live in the city of Scottsburg,” he said, and described being told he could not use the alley and having observed the condition for several years. Banks said the situation has affected access near a downtown business and that he had placed a container to block activity; he said neighbors and business owners also are affected.

Council members and staff asked clarifying questions about the location and whether the alley had been vacated or transferred. A council representative said staff would investigate ownership and enforcement and noted an enforcement officer was expected to follow up; the presiding official said they expected to have action or an update by late January or February.

The resident said he plans to pursue the matter in court if necessary and mentioned possible survey or title questions; council members encouraged him to work with city staff while referring to the area plan and property boundaries. The meeting transcript records no formal action or vote related to the easement during that session.

Next steps: staff will review records and follow up with the resident and council; the transcript records an expectation of staff action and a timeline but does not document a formal referral or vote that evening.