Edward B. Beck and Another v. Council City

In certiorari proceedings relators seek a review, upon jurisdictional grounds, of the action of the council of the city of St. Paul in adopting a resolution for the vacation of one of its streets. We are concerned with the attempted vacation of that portion of South Oxford street which lies between Juliet avenue and Palace avenue in the city of St. Paul. Ever since its dedication, commencing with the platting of Ridgewood Park Addition in 1887, South Oxford street has remained in an ungraded and unimproved condition. Relators are owners in fee of two lots (lots 1 and 2, block 19, in Ridgewood Park Addition), which actually abut on that portion of South Oxford street with which we are concerned and which is hereinafter referred to as the street. The legal title to all other lots abutting on said street (lots 3, 4, 5, and 6 of block 19, and lots 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of block 18, all in said addition) is in the state of Minnesota for forfeited taxes, subject, however, to their purchase on a contract for deed by Dwight B. Jones and Phyllis Gene Jones as joint tenants. The two relators, as well as the contract purchasers, are all residents of St. Paul.