TDS Telecom requests City of Monticello to consider
granting property easements
Over the past few years, the City has acquired an assortment of key properties in the original business district. These properties are intended to be used for parking or combined with neighboring properties in becoming development sites in the future. TDS Telcom recently requested that the Monticello City Council consider granting property easements to TDS that would enable utilities to be extended across these properties. In response to this request, the Council considered the matter and denied the request based on the following reasons:
– Over time it is likely that there will be a need to combine or assemble parcels in a fashion that supports redevelopment.
– The presence of private utility easements could interfere with the ability to assemble development sites as easements would need to be vacated before adjacent parcels could be assembled. Also adding to the cost would be the physical expense of relocating the utility line at the time of redevelopment.
Finally, as with every parcel in the downtown area, denial of the request does not leave TDS without options as there is ample room for utility lines in the right of way located along the outside perimeter of each block.
If you have questions about your city residential property right of way or easement areas and need clarification, call Monticello City Hall, 763-295-2711.
