The Petitioner, who has properties on the north and south sides of Hatton Street, has submitted a Petition to Vacate for Hatton Street between "U" Street and "V" Street for the safety of their employees, who must cross Hatton Street repeatedly throughout the workday. The Petitioner states that some motorists do not heed the stop signs or the speed limit signs, causing danger to his employees. If this Petition to Vacate is approved, the Petitioner intends to install a cantilever gate system that would prevent through traffic along Hatton Street, which would improve employee safety during daytime business hours. 

The Petitioner has submitted a Stormwater Narrative, which states that, if the petition is approved, the Petitioner will maintain the two stormwater ditch bottom inlets, the underground piping, and the asphalt roadway in the petition area. Engineering staff has no objection to the request.  

The Public Safety Department does have concerns, as they do with all petitions to vacate local streets, due to access for emergency vehicles and fire supply lines. The Petitioner states that although the cantilever gate would be closed during hours of operation and open when the business is closed, the gate will not be locked, which would allow access for utility companies and emergency/rescue services at all times. The Petition would also install signs stating "No Through Traffic."  

Planning and Zoning Department staff have no zoning concerns but will need the Petitioner to attend a DRC review if this Petition to Vacate is approved.

Gulf Power, AT&T, Emerald Coast Utility Authority, and Energy Services of Pensacola all wish to retain their respective easements which lie within the petition area.