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• <br />CITY OF LA PORTE <br />INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM <br />T0: City Council <br />FROM: Richard Hare G~ <br />DATE: August 8, 1985 <br />SUBJECT: Appraisals on Alley Closings <br /> <br />Our current alley closing policy requires the appraisal of the <br />alley as a separate and distinct piece of property. The actual <br />value assessed to a piece of property is dependent upon the <br />philosophy of the appraiser. <br />One school of thought maintains the alley between two properties <br />is too small to be of any use and therefore has very little <br />property value. On the other hand, some appraisers feel the <br />alley possesses more value, because it substantially alters the <br />use of adjoining property. <br />A committee consisting of John Joerns, Director of Community <br />Development; Jerry Hodge, Public Works Director; Knox Askins, <br />City Attorney; and Richard Hare, Assistant City Manager reviewed <br />this appraisal policy in an attempt to limit the policy, and to <br />provide equitable appraisals. The committee has recommended a <br />policy revision which simplifies the process by relying upon <br />HCAD~s certified property appraisal of adjoining properties and <br />taking an average square foot fair market value. This provides <br />a consistent appraisal philosophy, relieves the citizens of <br />additional appraisal fees, and eliminates several administrative <br />steps in the appraisal process of an alley closing request. <br />The ordinance revision is attached and it is recommended by the <br />staff that this policy be approved. <br />