Independence Parkway Acquisition Stalls Over Tangled Property Records in Hartford City

From the Hartford City City Council meeting on June 1, 2026

City Attorney Tyler Rothstein reported to council that acquiring Independence Parkway — a private street the city has been maintaining — faces significant legal complications.

The road is split across six to eight different parcels owned by multiple entities, including Upland Investors LLC, Crown Point assisted living, and individual homeowners. A previous council resolution to annex the street was never recorded at the recorder's office by the prior city attorney. To acquire just the road would require multiple parcel splits and surveys, with survey costs estimated "well north of $10,000."

One parcel's property line runs through a homeowner's driveway, and an unplatted section near Pilgrim Street has no clear owner. Councilman Wolfe raised a law enforcement question: if nobody owns the road, can police enforce traffic laws there?

No formal action was taken. Mayor Eckstein and Councilman Wolfe will visit the recorder's office to check existing records. Attorney Rothstein said the onus should be on Upland Investors to initiate any transfer. The city will continue plowing the road in the meantime.

Source: Meeting transcript — Hartford City - City Council Meeting - June 1, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.