The Starke County Commissioners received information on a request to vacate property submitted by Tom DeCola of Argento, LLC Monday night.
The petition was presented to the commissioners their May 3 meeting, but County Attorney Marty Lucas recommended that DeCola properly publish the notice before the commissioners take action.
Lucas noted Monday night that the notice was published.
The request was somewhat similar to a previous request that was denied by the commissioners in 2020. Lucas said the vacation request was reduced slightly from the previous request.
DeCola initially asked to vacate portions of land surrounding property he owns off of U.S. 421 in San Pierre. One reason he gave was to prevent trespassing.
DeCola previously petitioned to vacate the portion of land adjacent to the property and into the center of a parcel that was meant to be an extension of Clay Street to White Street, but it never materialized. He would also like to vacate to the center lane of the alleys adjacent to the lots.
At the time, the commissioners expressed opposition to giving up right-of-ways in alleyways for the potential of utility improvements, like broadband service.
The commissioners stated Monday night that they have the same sentiment, especially if the county has the opportunity to expand broadband service to unincorporated areas in the county, like San Pierre, through American Rescue Act funds.
DeCola was not present during the commissioners’ discussion on the matter.
The commissioners unanimously voted to deny the request.
