1. ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF SOUTH VAN BUREN STREET Between Scotts Avenue and Taylor Street October 12, 2004

2. Background The subject right-of-way easement is situated between West Scotts Avenue and the A,T&SF Railroad tracks (West Taylor Street). This is the 700 Block of South Van Buren Street. The subject right-of-way easement is situated between West Scotts Avenue and the A,T&SF Railroad tracks (West Taylor Street). This is the 700 Block of South Van Buren Street. The abandonment is proposed by Masonite International Corporation. The abandonment is proposed by Masonite International Corporation.

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4. Background MIC has facilities located on both sides of the street. On the south side of the street their buildings extend for 3 blocks from South Lincoln Street to South Madison Street. MIC has facilities located on both sides of the street. On the south side of the street their buildings extend for 3 blocks from South Lincoln Street to South Madison Street. Previously, A,T&SF Railroad abandoned the portion of South Monroe Street and MIC took title to the property. Previously, A,T&SF Railroad abandoned the portion of South Monroe Street and MIC took title to the property. A,T&SF Railroad previously proposed closing the railroad crossing and abandoning Van Buren Street at this location. They have not yet followed through with that action and MIC desires to proceed at this time. A,T&SF Railroad previously proposed closing the railroad crossing and abandoning Van Buren Street at this location. They have not yet followed through with that action and MIC desires to proceed at this time.

5. Abandonment Issues Columbus Park is located on the south side of the railroad tracks. Columbus Park is located on the south side of the railroad tracks. For years MIC has experienced problems stemming from the park, primarily theft and vandalism. They believe the proposed abandonment will eliminate most of these problems. For years MIC has experienced problems stemming from the park, primarily theft and vandalism. They believe the proposed abandonment will eliminate most of these problems. If the abandonment is approved, it will coincide with a proposed MIC expansion project. If the abandonment is approved, it will coincide with a proposed MIC expansion project.

6. Abandonment Issues The City holds the underlying fee title to the abandonment area. If approved, staff will begin the process to have the property declared excess. The City holds the underlying fee title to the abandonment area. If approved, staff will begin the process to have the property declared excess. Frontage improvements are required. MIC will obtain a bond to guarantee installation of the necessary improvements. Frontage improvements are required. MIC will obtain a bond to guarantee installation of the necessary improvements. The abandonment area will be reserved as a PUE. The abandonment area will be reserved as a PUE.

7. Notification Abandonments require advertising in the legal notice section of The Record once each week for two successive weeks. This has been completed. Abandonments require advertising in the legal notice section of The Record once each week for two successive weeks. This has been completed. The proposed abandonment area was also posted two weeks prior to the public hearing. In conformance with legal requirements, a total of 3 notices were posted. The proposed abandonment area was also posted two weeks prior to the public hearing. In conformance with legal requirements, a total of 3 notices were posted.

8. Recommended Action Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the abandonment of a portion of the South Van Buren Street right-of- way. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the abandonment of a portion of the South Van Buren Street right-of- way.