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DATE: June 16, 2008
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Consider a request for the abandonment of portions of Fulton
Ave., Burt St., Tagore St., Groves St., Grant St., Buford St.,
Jamison St. and the alley in Block 4, Oakwood Addition
FILE: 729-OB
STAFF REPORT
The Planning Manager recommends approval subject to the following
conditions:
1. Retain the abandoned rights-of-way as drainage easements
for drainage facilities within the rights-of-way.
2. Any work or maintenance in these areas needs to be under
the safety guidelines or procedures of the City of
Beaumont.
ExxonMobil and the Port of Beaumont have applied for the
abandonment of portions of Fulton Ave., Burt St., Tagore St.,
Grove St., Grant St., Buford St., Sycamore St., Jamison St.
and the alley in Block 4, Oakwood Addition.
With the exception of these above, all other properties have
been purchased and/or obtained by ExxonMobil Corporation or
the Port of Beaumont.
Chris Fisher, Executive Director of the Port of Beaumont, states
that the Port is especially interested in abandoning Buford
Street, east of Carroll, and Jamison Street. The Port is facing
increased challenges to provide the level of security expected
by its Port Commission, its business customers and government
agencies. Due to the critical nature of cargo handled at the
Port, efforts have been undertaken in the last five years to
enhance Port security measures. The Port owns property on each
side of Buford Street to its termination at the ExxonMobil
refinery. This portion of Buford is used almost exclusively
by Port customers and ExxonMobil. Mr. Fisher says that the
closure of Buford would also enhance business operations inside
the Port by allowing rail traffic to cross Buford freely at
the Port Grain Elevator.
Mr. Fisher further states that the Port has been unable to
determine if Jamison Street is a city street. It is not listed
in the street index. The Port has been previously advised that
this request was not dedicated to the City but may have been
maintained by Jefferson County. Therefore, the Port will all
also request of the County an abandonment of that street.
This item was sent to all interested parties. The City of
Beaumont Engineering Department recommends approval subject
to the retention of drainage easements. In addition, any work
or maintenance in these areas needs to be under the safety
guidelines or procedures of the City of Beaumont. A 7' x 8'
drainage box runs diagonally across Sycamore, Holly, Doucette
and Grove. A 4' x 7' drainage box runs within the Grant St.
and Grove St. right-of-way. A 102" C.M.P. runs parallel to
the eastern corporate limits of the City of Beaumont, to the
Neches River. All above ground drainage and road maintenance
will belong to either the Port of Beaumont or ExxonMobil.
Exhibits are attached.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION FOR ORDINANCE PURPOSES
See attached field note descriptions.