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• ANALYSIS: The subject segment of Old Dixie Highway was originally established in the early 1900's and has been used as a public roadway since that time. Originally, Old Dixie was the main north/south thoroughfare in the area, but has since been eclipsed by U.S. 1 in terms of traffic volume. The subject segment functions as a local road. Unlike most abandonments which involve half streets or "paper" streets that were created via older subdivision plats, this subject right-of-way is a fully functioning paved road Because this request is not typical, there are several characteristics that are unique to this abandonment application. • U.S. 1 and C.R. 510 Right-of-way Proposed Swap: Currently, both U.S. 1 and C.R. 510 in the Wabasso area have inadequate right-of- way to accommodate future needed improvements on those roadways. At the same time, the subject segment of Old Dixie Highway parallels U.S. 1, but does not significantly increase U.S. 1's capacity. For those reasons, the Public Works Director has agreed to support the right-of-way abandonment based on the applicant agreeing to deed (swap) the subject segment of Old Dixie Highway right-of-way in return for additional nght-of-way for C.R. 510 and U.S. 1 along the applicant's existing frontages on those two roads. Because a right-of-way abandonment cannot be conditional, the applicant has prepared a deed to the County for additional right-of-way, has placed the right-of-way deed in escrow, and has agreed to execute and record the deed, if the Old Dixie right-of-way abandonment is approved. Although the Board's action on this request cannot be conditioned to guarantee the referenced nght-of-way swap, the County Attomey's Office has indicated that such a swap could be guaranteed via a contract between the applicant and the County. The contract issue is described later in this report. • Access to Adjacent Properties: With the exception of one parcel owned by Mrs. Robert Fender, the applicant owns all of the adjacent property on both sides of Old Dixie Highway. The Fender parcel is located between U.S. 1 and Old Dixie Highway, approximately 140' north of C R. 510 and is the site of a currently vacant gas station/convenience store. Because the request, if granted, will eliminate southbound public access to that property from Old Dixie Highway, Mrs. Fender has voiced an objection to the proposed right-of-way abandonment. If the abandonment is approved, the applicant proposes to remove the pavement from Old Dixie Highway from the intersection with U.S. 1 to a point approximately 400' to the south. From that point south to C.R. 510, the Old Dixie Highway pavement would remain in place until future re -development takes place Ultimately, the applicant is proposing to redevelop his property. Through the re -development plan, he will determine the permanent location of all access improvements. Like the proposed • • AUGUST 6, 2002 67