A divided Front Royal Town Council voted on Monday to give up the right to a public alley, ending a yearslong process fraught with delays.

Council members Melissa DeDomenico-Payne, Joshua Ingram and R. Wayne Sealock voted in favor of a motion to adopt an ordinance conditionally approving an applicant's vacation and sale request of an alley and a portion of a right-of-way adjacent to North Royal Avenue.

H. Bruce Rappaport and Glenn Wood voted against the motion. Vice Mayor Amber Veitenthal abstained from voting. Veitenthal is employed by the applicant’s company. Mayor Lori Cockrell votes in the event of a tie.

The action concludes a five-year effort by Aaron and Harmony Hike to have the town vacate and give up its right to a portion of a public right-of-way and alley near the Hike proper

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