TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Steven Lederer, Director of Public Works
REPORT BY: Danielle Goshert, County Surveyor
SUBJECT: Resolution of intent to abandon an approximate 2.5-mile portion of Old Howell Mountain Road from the St. Helena city limit to just south of Sulman Lane
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt a Resolution of intent to conduct a public hearing on August 19, 2025, regarding the abandonment of an approximate 2.5-mile portion of Old Howell Mountain Road, while retaining right of way for a public trail. (No Fiscal Impact)
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BACKGROUND
The subject resolution affects an approximate 2.5-mile portion of Old Howell Mountain Road, being a 66-foot-wide right-of way easement that was accepted as a public road by the County on August 7, 1867. This portion has been closed since damage was incurred during the storms of 2017 and 2023. The closure spans the length from the St. Helena city limit at the south end to a location just south of the intersection with Sulman Lane as shown on the exhibit included in the attached resolution.
The Board was previously advised of the status of this portion of the right-of-way and indicated a desire to proceed with abandonment that includes the reservation of a trail easement to utilize the route as a bike/pedestrian facility if an appropriate partner is found. Such reservation is allowed per Streets and Highways Code Section 8340(d), and the Napa County Parks and Open Space District is ready and willing to take responsibility for developing and maintaining the trail and an agreement for those services is forthcoming upon approval of this abandonment.
The portion to be abandoned includes electric transmission poles and lines near the northern terminus, therefore in conformance with Streets and Highways Code Section 8340(c), a utility easement will be reserved for these in-place public utility facilities. Access to adjoining parcels is not compromised by this abandonment as there are no existing access connections to Ol...
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