For more than two decades, lots east of Evans Street in east Ellsworth have stood empty, never living up to the development potential envisioned by the land’s original owner.

However, there are no guarantees that development won’t take place in the future.

That’s the argument current land owners Mark Cunningham and Anthony Hopkins offered at a Monday night hearing before the regular meeting of the Ellsworth City Council.

“Basically, we’re not wanting to get chopped off before we have a chance to do anything,” Cunningham said during the 50-minute hearing.

It’s an argument officials supported. On a motion from council member Tyler Renard, the council voted unanimously to deny a request from Robert and Mary Taylor to vacate 100 feet of Pinewood Street in the Reber’s Addition. The action came at the council meeting in the community room of the Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course.

According to background information provided by the city, the Reber’s Addition was filed and recorded with the Register of Deeds Office in 1995. Four homes were built on lots facing Evans Street. Other lots behind the homes were platted but never developed. Three streets — Ash Creek, Burr Oak and Pinewood — cut through the addition from Evans Street; however, previous city officials approved the construction of a large shed that sits atop Pinewood.

Council members left their meeting and walked the block or so to view the area in question.

“Mary and I would just like to see the street vacated 100 feet. That’s all I’m asking. In the six years we’ve been there, not one person has used that street,” Taylor said.

The couple has an opportunity to sell the property. The prospective buyer was at the hearing Monday and said she did not want the home if the street was not vacated.

She cited potential safety issues for her children.

Cunningham voiced concerns about the other streets being vacated — thus landlocking the property he and Hopkins purchased eight months ago — if the council approved the Taylors’ request.

“We ask you to consider the bigger picture” he said.

City attorney Patrick Hoffman said a decision Monday night would have no effect on future council actions.

“It’s not binding on any other determination. Whatever you do here only applies here,” he said.

In other council business:

• A representative from Alliance Insurance presented the city with a rebate check for $17,673 for the 2018-19 year.

• Council members approved the purchase of a salt spreader for the city street department to replace its current 2004 model. Cost is not to exceed $9,500, which is available in the municipal equipment fund. The bid went to Ginder Hydraulic of Salina.

• Council members and city administrator Scott Moore plan to meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Ellsworth City Hall for a budget workshop.

The council’s next regular meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 22, at Ellsworth City Hall.