Concerns about street closing in Richland

Monday evening, Sept. 8, 2025, I attended the Richland city council public hearing. It was in regard to closing a portion of main street. Main Street is the only Eastern exit out of Richland. I suggested to the council that this portion of Main Street be brought up to grade and rocked. Main Street is on ALL navigation devices and directs drivers this route, and people will continue to use it that way.

One person owns tillable farm ground on both sides of this portion of main street. The council later voted to close it and GIVE (not sell) this farmable land to that land owner. This is approximately 5 acres of land (road and right of way) and is worth approximately $16,500 + per acre that the city is GIVING AWAY! According to Iowa State Law, Code 364.7, if a city is going to sell real property (land or building), it has to be sold through auction or sealed bids for fair market value. Cities can only “GIFT” to other government entities.

May I assume that since I own property on both sides of Oak Street and W-15 in Richland, I will be able to request it being closed and given to me? And to top that — I was also told that since I do not live IN TOWN, I have no voice in this matter! I pay TAXES in Richland. All living in Richland gives you is the right to vote for elected officials.

YOU as a Richland resident should ask your mayor and council members — Where do we, the tax payers, benefit from this “gift?” The least this council could do is survey the road/area properly to receive fair market value. In my opinion, this council should be worrying more about derelict properties than closing main street.

Truly Concerned,

Korwin Hinshaw