Farmington compromises on right-of-way request

Garth Meyer, Gazette Reporter | Jun 05, 20130

The Farmington City Council compromised on a man’s request to build into the right-of-way of a town street.

Frank Kelsey appeared at the city council meeting May 20 to ask permission to build a carport on his property which would extend 11 feet into the right-of-way of Second Street.

“The town doesn’t own the roads, they have the right-of-way,” said Mayor Ron Dugan, indicating that if a road was ever vacated, the property would go to the homeowner from the centerline over.

Kelsey’s carport would stop at 19 feet from the centerline of the street.

He said that part of his reason for wanting to build it is to benefit his wife, who uses a wheelchair.

“He’s got a good reason, we all know that,” said Dugan.

Councilman Dave Baker suggested that a propane tank on Kelsey’s property could be moved to create room, offering the council’s help.

Moving the propane tank would allow more space to fit the size of shed he wants to build.

The council discussed it further and decided to only allow Kelsey to build to the edge of the right-of-way, and not into it.

“That’s what you call compromise,” Dugan said.