A second public hearing has been scheduled as Vernal City officials consider vacating 400 West next to the LDS Temple. City officials initiated the discussion and possible action to vacate 400 West as a way to reduce street maintenance costs and to increase pedestrian safety. The City has explained that when a public right-of-way is vacated, in most cases, the adjacent property owners are granted half of the adjacent right-of-way and in this case, the adjacent property owners are the LDS Church and one residential property owner. Vernal City hosted an open house on July 17th, inviting the public to attend and share their opinions on the topic. 30 residents attended the open house and gave input for the Council to consider, shares City Manager Quinn Bennion. Now the Council has set a date for a public hearing on the subject. The City began to consider vacating the street after the LDS church purchased six homes on the east side of 400 West to build a new off-street parking lot. The public hearing will be held on August 16th to review and receive additional comments on the possible vacation of 400 West from 100 South to 200 South.
