The Washington City Council is preparing to rectify a long-standing property issue discovered during the recent sale of the historic Lincoln Grade School. Platted streets and alleys, which were never officially vacated, were found to intersect with school property, necessitating a legislative fix to finalize the transfer of rights-of-way to District 52.
Key takeaways
- A decades-old oversight regarding platted streets running through Lincoln Grade School is being corrected.
- The City Council will vote on an ordinance to vacate and transfer these rights-of-way on August 3.
- Police Chief Jeff Stevens received a 4% salary increase, bringing his annual pay to $145,600.
- Permits were issued for a new $2 million cannabis dispensary on Centennial Drive.
Resolving the Lincoln Grade School land issue
The issue came to light when the Washington Park District purchased the 77-year-old Lincoln Grade School building on Jackson Street for $500,000. City Attorney Mark Walton explained that historical records show platted streets and alleys were dedicated to District 52 but never formally vacated. Some of these rights-of-way actually run through the school building itself, while others are occupied by parking lots, playgrounds, and greenspace. The council is scheduled to vote on a resolution to vacate these areas and transfer ownership to the school district on August 3 to ensure the property titles are clear.
Municipal updates and police department changes
In addition to the land resolution, the council addressed several administrative and development items. Police Chief Jeff Stevens was granted a 4% wage increase, and his annual personal day allowance was increased to three, matching the benefits provided to patrol officers. Meanwhile, the city is moving forward with commercial development, having issued a building permit for a new 2,800-square-foot Key Cannabis dispensary. Groundbreaking for the facility at the intersection of McClugage Road and Centennial Drive is expected to occur by the end of the month.
Additional council actions
The council also approved several requests to support local infrastructure and community organizations. These include the following measures:
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Rapid flashing beacons | Improve safety for Beverly Manor students at School and Grant streets |
| Rezoning request | Allow a church to operate at 640 N. Cummings Lane |
| Event road closures | Facilitate the Washington Autumn Fest and Candlelight Stroll |
Furthermore, the council appointed new members to the Economic Development Commission and the Police Pension Board. Mayor Lilija Stevens also announced that her next monthly "Let’s Talk Washington" informal discussion session will be held on August 11 at the American Legion Post 100.
