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SALEM -- City council approved vacating North Alley that runs between North Lundy Avenue and North Broadway Avenue behind the Salem First Presbyterian Church.
Councilman Bob Merry, who was attending his first meeting Tuesday, abstained from the vote, stating that he's a member of the church. When the alley closure came before Planning Commission, he also abstained due to his church membership.
Merry previously served on the city Planning Commission before being appointed last week by city council to fill the unexpired term of former councilman Sal Salvino, who resigned after being hired as the city's full-time housing director/inspector.
Mayor John Berlin, city Service/Safety Director Joe Cappuzzello, Parks Director Shane Franks and members of city council all welcomed Merry and offered their assistance. He said he appreciated the confidence shown when council selected him.
In the case of the alley vacation, no one spoke during the public hearing held prior to the council meeting. Council approved the third reading in a 5-0 vote.
The alley split church property on the north and south, so that section will become the property of the church. The alley also goes between properties owned by John Biddle and the 314 Group LLC where Hack, Steer & Company is located, both at the North Broadway end. They signed the petition to vacate the alley along with church officials who sought the closing.
The section of alley between Biddle's property and the 314 Group LLC property will be split between them. A driveway easement agreement has been signed by Biddle, the 314 Group LLC and church officials. Biddle needs access to a garage off of the alley and the 314 Group LLC needs access to parking at the rear of its building.
Councilman Steve Faber, who chairs the Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks Committee, which forwarded the alley vacation to council, said all requirements were met, which included the public hearing.
In other business, council passed resolutions paying tribute for dedicated service to the city by retirees Dan Rice and Don Snavely. Rice served as city housing inspector from Aug. 24, 1999 to March 26 this year. Snavely worked for the city service department from Oct. 6, 2003 to March 5 this year.
Condolences were also expressed to the families of Clarence Smith Jr., retired CEO of Compco Industries, Lois Butcher and Tim Bowser. Berlin praised Compco Industries for helping to keep Quaker Mfg. operating and preserving those jobs for the city.
The next council meeting will be May 4.
mgreier@salemnews.net