PORT TOWNSEND — The City Council voted 4-2 Monday night on the first reading of an interim ordinance that would temporarily prevent property owners from acquiring unused street easements.
At issue is an 1890 state law that allows city residents to claim undeveloped streets adjacent to their properties.
Up to 75 Port Townsend residents could fall under the provisions of the 19th century law.
The interim ordinance, however, will temporarily prevent residents from increasing the number of plats on their properties.
Councilmen Geoff Masci and Frank Benskin opposed the measure.
Councilwoman Laurie Medlicott excused herself because of a potential conflict of interest. Her home is on a vacated city street.
The council is scheduled to address the issue again during its special business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Cedar Room of the Waterman and Katz Building, 181 Quincy St.
“I fully agree that statutory vacated streets belong to the neighboring property owners,” said Councilman Kees Kolff, who voted in favor of the ordinance.
The council, however, needs to decide what land use is permissible on vacated streets, ordinance proponents argued.
