On Stanly Lane, just south of Highway 12, traffic must pass through an electronically-controlled gate. Further down, on Stanly Lane Crossroad, an old-fashioned metal gate blocks what would be a connection to Cuttings Wharf Road. Aren’t these public streets? Why are they blocked off?

To keep those teenagers and their rock ‘n’ roll music away. Why else?

The city of Napa’s community outreach coordinator, Barry Martin, helped obtain the following information from Jeff Freitas, the city’s property manager. (Thank you Barry much.)

The City of Napa officially declared the lower portion of Stanly Lane abandoned in 2004, when it created the Stanly Ranch Vineyards subdivision.

“Abandoned” is a specific legal term that says the city surrenders possession and rights of use on property.

Abandonment is a process that involves a city council resolution, public notices, public hearings, etc. The abandonment was conditioned on several factors, including the requirement of the applicant to provide bicycle and pedestrian easements through the abandoned area. A 12-foot wide bicycle and pedestrian easement was dedicated to the city on the final map of Stanly Ranch Vineyards.

There is a continuous public right of way from Highway 121 to the end of Stanly Lane, which is not entirely accessible by vehicle. From Highway 121, the old public Stanly Lane — where patchy pavement bumps along between stately rows of eucalyptus trees — still exists and is open to the public. The new, gated road that runs parallel to Stanly Lane at this point is private.

The private road is the one referenced in the question. The point of abandonment of the public road is after it curves to the southeast.

Beth Painter, consultant to Stanly Ranch Vineyards, confirmed this, agreeing that the road is intended for bicyclists and pedestrians and not for vehicles. During the day, Merryvale Vineyards has the gate open for UPS and other deliveries, and for employees to come and go.

Another important piece of information provided by Painter is that the fire department has access to opening this gate in case of an emergency. Now there’s a good example of when one would hate to be “abandoned.”

What is Glad You Asked?

Glad You Asked attempts to answer readers’ questions. Let’s travel down the road to more knowledge together. Send me your questions at dmontanez@napanews.com or call me at 256-2224.